Occult of Personality podcast (Occult of Personality)

Amodali, the world-renowned artist, musician, writer, and magician is our guest in podcast episode 173 to discuss her essay “Introductory Theoria on Progressive Formulas of the Babalon Priestesshood,” published in the 2015 Three Hands Press anthology A Rose Veiled in Black. I’m thrilled to be able to bring you this interview with one of the most interesting practitioners of modern times where she discusses the 156 current and the system she developed for working with it soon to be fully revealed in the upcoming book The Marks of Teth, expected from Three Hands Press in 2017.

“Amodali is an artist, musician, writer and magician from the U.K. who has produced an extensive body of work spanning over 30 years, specializing in research on the sexual mysteries of Babalon and the metaphysics and phenomenology of female occult anatomy. Amodali’s research is accompanied by in-depth complementary praxis and her multidisciplinary body of work has manifested internationally through ritual performances, C.D./album releases, art exhibitions and public lectures. She has initiated extensive investigation into the magical dimensions of sound and vocal expression, movement, trance techniques and sexuality and their relationship with female subtle architecture. Her interpretation of the magic of 156 is based on a personal practice which has been characterised by the negotiation and mastery of extreme sexual trance states which she describes as a form of physical scrying, she has found this direct form of ecstatic gnosis to be a distinctive characteristic of direct possession by Babalon.”

“Amodali has developed a specific methodology for working with the highly charged sexual magic of Babalon, which has she developed since 1990 using the medium of ritual performance, most notably with the ‘Mother Destruction’ project which was created in collaboration with Patrick Leagas of 6 Comm. Mother Destruction recorded a large catalogue of musical works and toured extensively throughout Europe between 1990-2000. Amodali used the platform of Mother Destruction to extend her practice of extreme sexual entrancement into complex live ritual structures, which communicated some of the distinctive phenomenological aspects her ‘System 156’.”

“The phenomenological and metaphysical structure of the female ‘magical body’, is often obscured and fragmented within Western Magical Traditions. Amodali’s forthcoming book ‘The Marks of Teth’ presents a Post-Thelemic interpretation of the goddess Babalon that expresses a feminine magical signifying language which is wholly erotic and evolutionary. The book reinforces the primacy of embodiment within multidimensional esoteric disciplines and enquiry, interpreting the occult anatomy of the female body as an autopoietic construction with its own defining initiatic imperatives and her ‘System 156’ promotes a defiantly independent spiritual path and a body-centred magical epistemology. Amodali’s predominantly heuristic practice is contextualised by research that encompasses many eras of the feminine gnosis, exploring the intersections between primordial Ophidian origins of the current within Northern European Paganism and the Western Magical Tradition and the modern interpretations of embodiment, sexuality, gender and feminine agency within the Phenomenology of Maurice Merleau-Ponty and Timothy Morton and the feminist philosophy of Luce Irigaray Julia Kristeva and Bracha Ettinger. Within these various contextual streams, the Enochian Universe of Dee and Kelley with its septenary motifs and feminine spirits takes on a primary importance in Amodali’s work, as representing the pivotal crystallisation of the feminine sexual current as embodied by Babalon.”

“Amodali is a graduate of Liverpool School of Art and lecturer in Graphic Design. Recent projects include an ongoing series of vividly erotic visualizations and technical schema that illustrate the subtle anatomy of the Babalon priestess and the embodiment techniques of the magical ‘System 156’. The pieces feature an array of magical-corporeal signifiers which are assembled into intricate compositions, using labour-intensive collage techniques within a process that melds and transmutes photography and illustrations of sexual imagery into representations of the corpora of Babalon. Examples from this series have been exhibited in London, Seattle and Dublin in recent years. Her multimedia art project ‘Liber Incarnadine’ is an online interactive liturgy devoted to Babalon.

In recent years, Amodali has given talks has given talks on the magical, and phenomenological aspects of the magical body of the 156 current at events such as the ‘Ecology,Cosmos and Consciousness’ Lecture series in London and the Esoteric Book Conference in the United States. An introduction to her magical system is featured in the essay ‘Introductory Theoria on Progressive Formulas of the Babalon Priestesshood’ as part of the Three Hands Press Anthology published in 2015 entitled A Rose Veiled in Black. An extensive synthesis of her magical practice, The Marks of Teth will be published by Three Hands Press in 2017.”

In the Occult of Personality Membership Section, you’ll find the second half of the interview with Amodali featuring extensive exploration of the 156 System, its historical influences and its implications. Don’t miss that excellent, exclusive recording. Just go to http://occultofpersonality.net/membership and sign up if you haven’t already. It’s the best way to support the podcast while receiving access to a tremendous amount of additional exclusive content.

Details of the A Rose veiled in Black Anthology on Three Hands Press can be found at https://threehandspress.com/shop/a-rose-veiled-in-black/

Amodali has written several introductory essays elucidating her interpretation of the 156 current based on public lectures delivered in recent years.

‘The magical and erotic phenomenology of ritual performance within the Babalon Current’
http://www.amodali.com/babalon-ritual-phenomenolgy/

‘Feminism, ‘Weird’ Essentialism and 156’
http://www.amodali.com/feminism-weird-essentialism-and-156/

‘The Garments of Galvah and the System ‘156’’
http://www.amodali.com/galvah/

Art Print Editions
http://www.amodali.com/print-editions/

The ‘Liber Incarnadine’ project can be found at http://www.liberincarnadine.com/

intro music by Paul Avgerinos

outro music – “Rosearia” by Amodali

Now, in episode number 175, interviews from Masonic Con 2016, this was the first occurrence of this public event hosted by the brethren of Ezekiel Bates Lodge in Attleboro, Massachusetts. Masonic Con 2016 featured a number of excellent presentations that explored a variety of subjects from Renaissance art to Knights Templar in America, and even the Cabala.

In these recordings you’ll hear a very brief introduction interview with Brother Aaron Chauncey discussing the event, then an interview with Jim Egan about his extensive research into Elizabethan-era magus Dr. John Dee and the Newport Tower in Newport, Rhode Island. More information about Egan’s work can be found at the Newport Tower Museum and online at http://www.newporttowermuseum.com/. Finally, we have an interview with David Brody who specializes in historical fiction, including the Knights Templar in America. More information about Brody’s work can be found at http://davidbrodybooks.com.

I also want to mention that Masonic Con 2017 will take place on Saturday, April 29, 2017 at Ezekiel Bates Lodge in Attleboro, Massachusetts beginning at 9 AM. Admission is free and it’s open to the public. There will be lectures by Angel Millar, Robert Johnson, Piers Vaughan, Richard Cassaro, Oscar Allyene, Paul C. Smith and yours truly. For more information visit http://EB1870.org.

World-renowned forensic geologist and author Scott Wolter joins us in podcast episode 176 to discuss his research into the Kensington Runestone and Knights Templar in America.

Forensic geologist Scott Wolter was the host of the hit show American Unearthed, which followed him on his quest to uncover the truth behind historic artifacts and sites found throughout North America. Scott is also the author of The Hooked X: Key to the Secret History of North America and co-author of The Kensington Rune Stone: Compelling New Evidence. Scott has been president of American Petrographic Services, Inc., since 1990 and has been the principle petrographer in more than 7,000 investigations throughout the world, including the evaluation of fire-damaged concrete at the Pentagon following the attacks of September 11, 2001.

In this interview, Scott Wolter discusses his specific area of expertise – The Kensington Runestone and the belief that Knights Templar were responsible for this relic. The rune stone is a 200 pound slab of stone covered in runes that was discovered in 1898 in rural Minnesota.

The Hooked X: Key to the Secret History of North America is the culmination of my seven-year odyssey to understand the origin of a mysterious symbol that first appeared on a highly controversial, century-old artifact called the Kensington Rune Stone. . .

The story begins with the discovery of a 202-pound stone unearthed by Swedish immigrant farmer named Olof Ohman, who was clearing trees in preparation for farming back in 1898. The slab of graywacke contained a lengthy inscription carved in Norse runes whose message has only been recently deciphered accurately. In 2005, I co-authored a book entitled The Kensington Rune Stone: Compelling New Evidence that presents a large body of evidence that conclusively proves the artifact is indeed a fourteenth-century document.

The Hooked X picks up where that story leaves off taking the reader on a journey from Minnesota to the New England Coast, where four more medieval rune stones are found. The trail then leads to a mysterious round stone tower in Rhode Island that could only have been constructed by a highly controversial group from Europe before the time of Christopher Columbus. The story that unfolds behind the Hooked X shatters many historical and religious paradigms and ultimately reveals the startling untold history of North America.

Scott Wolter’s work in uncovering the mysteries of the runestones and their greater implications are nothing short of astounding. While controversial, his conclusions do drastically affect our perception of the history of North America. You may find it difficult to believe that Knights Templar claimed land in the western hemisphere, but the evidence is compelling. As always, listen to the interview and decide for yourself.

In the Occult of Personality Membership Section, Scott Wolter continues discussing his amazing research into the Kensington Runestone, Knights Templar in America, and connections to a specific degree ritual of York Rite Freemasonry. This link is further evidence of Scott’s conclusions and is absolutely astounding. Join us for the second-half of this fascinating interview! Just go to http://occultofpersonality.net/membership and Join Now, or subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality to receive access to this and a tremendous amount of exclusive content.

intro music by Paul Avgerinos

outro music – “Melkutus” (traditional Finnish Rune song) by Tim Rayborn

Paranormal researcher and writer Katie Montana Jordan is our guest in podcast episode 177.

Katie Montana Jordan has been formally investigating with various psychic and paranormal organizations for over 20 years. She is a published freelance writer with areas of specialty in holistic healing, paganism, witchcraft and the occult.

Katie is Writing Consultant and Field Researcher to Paranormal Research & Investigations, as well as Occult Specialist and Independent Consultant to San Diego Paranormal Research Society and Occult Specialist and Independent Consultant to Scottish Ghost Adventures. Katie is also Co-Host and Occult Scholar to the What Are You Afraid Of Podcast. In addition to taking on investigative casework, she holds lectures and teaches classes on occult-related topics.

Katie maintains that because ghosts are earthbound energies, the whole of the paranormal and parapsychological fields are subtopic to the studies of theology and spirituality. Both an ordained minister and pagan priestess, she is currently obtaining her PhD in holistic theology.

In the Occult of Personality Membership Section, Rudolf and I continue the interview with Katie Montana Jordan focusing on her approach to the paranormal from a spiritual perspective. Don’t miss that excellent recording. Just go to http://occultofpersonality.net/membership OR https://patreon.com/occultofpersonality and sign up if you haven’t already. It’s the best way to support the podcast while receiving access to a tremendous amount of additional exclusive content.

https://about.me/kmontanajordan

Oregon Ghost Conference (where Katie is presenting "Theoretical Demonology in Paranormal Research") - http://www.oregonghostconference.com

I also want to give a warm welcome to the new co-host of Occult of Personality podcast - Rudolf!

Rudolf Berger has been interested in the world of occultism and esotericism for almost three decades. A Freemason for 24 years, also member of the Scottish Rite, his first interest in esoteric sciences came about when he read books by Rudolf Steiner. Later, after experiences in Shamanism, Theosophy and Ritual Magic, he broadened his knowledge and personal involvement to many fields of the Western Tradition. Today he calls himself a “Gnostic Hermeticist” with a very strong link to ceremonial magic. Fields of special interest are also Sacred Geometry and the implication of sound and music in the occult arts. He is mostly working the Art as a solitaire practitioner, but maintains links to several occult groups.

Rudolf lives in Austria close to its capital Vienna, working in the performing arts world. You can contact him at info@thothermes.com.

intro music - "Awakening" by Paul Avgerinos - http://magnatune.com/artists/albums/avgerinos-gnosis?song=3

outro music - "Ghost by Your Side" by Ash Ganley - http://magnatune.com/artists/albums/ashganley-univaccept?song=5

Ceremonial magician extraordinaire Frater Ashen Chassan returns to the podcast in episode 178 to discuss his magnum opus Gateways Through Light and Shadow, published by AZOTH Press. Frater Ashen appeared previously more than 3 years ago in episode 138.

Frater Ashen is a ceremonial magician and a purist in the art who endeavours to recreate the workings found in traditional grimoires as closely as possible. His book Gateways Through Light and Shadow is a record of his extraordinary magical evocations detailing the experiences and teachings provided by heavenly beings.

"Gateways Through Light and Shadow allows us access to the detailed magical journal records of the communications received by Frater Ashen and his scryer during the evocations of such profound spiritual beings as the seven planetary Archangels, the seven Olympic planetary spirits, the four spirit Kings of the Cardinal Directions, and the supercelestial Angels Sandalphon and Metatron.

"According to Dr. Stephen Skinner, “This book is a major contribution to the study and practice of Western ceremonial ritual magic. This is a book that no serious practitioner of magic should be without.”"

Frater Ashen’s magnum opus Gateways Through Light and Shadow is the most extraordinary magical record that I have ever read. The evocations detailed within are nothing short of revelatory. No amount of praise is sufficient to convey the work that Frater Ashen and his scryer have accomplished in bringing through the teachings of these powerful spiritual entities. With this book, Frater Ashen has cemented his reputation as perhaps one of the foremost living western ceremonial magicians on the planet. I’m proud to be able to bring you this interview and also feel humbled upon reflection about what it represents.

In the Occult of Personality Membership Section, Rudolf and I continue the interview with Frater Ashen Chassan detailing some specific teachings from an Archangel, his magical advisor, and details about the Olympic spirits available only in his book. Don’t miss that amazing recording. Just go to http://occultofpersonality.net/membership or https://patreon.com/occultofpersonality and sign up if you haven’t already. By doing so you’ll support the podcast while receiving access to a tremendous amount of additional exclusive content.

Frater Ashen Chassan - https://bryanashen.blogspot.com/

Gateways Through Light and Shadow by Frater Ashen Chassan - https://www.miskatonicbooks.com/product/gateways-through-light-shadow-by-frater-ashen-chassan-signed-limited-edition-hardcover/

*ATTENTION! For those Europeans interested in obtaining a copy of Gateways Through Stone and Circle, please contact Rudolf directly by email at info@thothermes.com to communicate your interest. The price will remain the same, but without any shipping costs if there are more than 8 buyers.

Gateways Through Stone and Circle (softcover) by Frater Ashen Chassan - http://astore.amazon.com/occulofperso-20/detail/0983063931

AZOTH Press - https://www.miskatonicbooks.com/product-category/featured-publishers/azoth-press/

Frater Ashen Chassan in Occult of Personality podcast episode 138 discussing his first book Gateways Through Stone and Circle - http://occultofpersonality.net/frater-ashen-chassan/

Helene Arts and Justin Dickie join us to discuss the upcoming Flambeau Noir International Left Hand Path Conference 2017 that they’re hosting which takes place in Ottawa, Canada the weekend of April 28-30.

This conference is dedicated to le Flambeau Noir (the Black Flame), and brings together iconoclasts and rebels with contemporary occult practice, philosophy, literature, and arts.

Presenters include Richard Kaczynski, Don Webb, Thomas Karlsson, Shani Oates, Lloyd Keane, Jex Blackmore, Nico Mara-McKay, Helene Arts, and Jeremy Crow.

Magick, witchcraft and the occult are Helene Art's life-long passions. Her left-hand path work has been influenced by numerous frameworks, in particular Thelema and the Temple of Set, as well as her astrological practice of the past 20 years. She regularly teaches public workshops on a variety of occult-related topics. Several years ago she purchased the lands and premises now known as Witch Hollow, and her work there can be seen on the website www.witchhollow.ca. Helene is also a specialist in conflict resolution, and a professional mediator. In this field she is an author, university professor, and consultant. Helene holds a BA in Religious Studies & an MA in Human Systems Intervention. She is the manager for Montreal-based industrial metal band Projekt F.

Justin Dickie is a native of Ottawa and works in the field of IT. His current areas of spiritual study are the runes, goetia, pythagorean philosophy & kundalini yoga. Justin has been practicing under the Draconian current for the last three years and has been a long-time reader of philosophy, psychology & mythology. "I'm very excited and humbled to co-host Flambeau Noir. It's very important that we, wanderers of the LHP, have areas to congregate. To bring together all views & experiences that each individual has undergone so that we may further comprehend the many angles/elements/forms of the human spiritual experience. No one person has all the answers; no one human life can understand the all-encompassing mystery of life/death/rebirth."

http://www.flambeaunoir.com/

https://www.facebook.com/events/1189335831148545/

http://www.spiralnature.com/culture/flambeau-noir-ottawa/

intro music by Siddartha - "The Buddha Is Not" http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Siddhartha/Freedom/Siddhartha_-_Freedom_-_06_The_Buddha_Is_Not

outro music by Pipe Choir - "Ignite to Light" http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Pipe_Choir/SGONS_1764/Pipe_Choir_Ignite_To_Light

Craig Williams returns to the show to talk about his most recent book Entering the Desert: Pilgrimage to the Hinterland of the Soul, from Anathema Publishing.

"The landscape of the Soul is a feral hunting ground of shadows and light, each morphing into translucent bodies of nourishment or destruction, depending upon the topographic Vision of the desert dweller. Entering the Desert explores the Terra Incognito of the Soul and reveals a primordial vision of a Pagan Sacramental Gnosticism of alchemical nature which if understood can open up the doorways to the Inner Sanctuary of Sacramental Vision."

Practitioner of Ayurvedic Medicine, Vedic Sciences, Gnostic Spirituality, and Martial Arts, Craig Williams is also the author of ‘Cave of The Numinous: Tantric Physics vol. I’, as well as numerous articles on health, martial arts, and authentic initiation in the Kali Yuga.

Craig’s most recent book is a brilliant and terrifying guide to the lonely barren spaces of the soul where we can descend within to realize the self. In the modern landscape of esoteric books, Williams’ work stands out as defying classification, being grounded in practice, and engaging with reality on its own terms. I highly recommend it!

Craig Williams' website - http://www.AyurvedaAustin.com

Entering the Desert - https://www.anathemapublishing.com/entering-the-desert

I’d like to make an announcement: The Occult of Personality Membership Section is being redesigned and resurrected as The Chamber of Reflection. Within the chamber of reflection, along with all the content from the Occult of Personality Membership Section, you’ll also find a very fine member’s section interview with Craig about his new book, his perspectives, and much more. Additionally, there’s an interview with artist Joseph Adams who did the artwork featured in the Chamber of Reflection website at https://chamberofreflection.com.

I’d like to remind you that although you’re able to listen to this podcast at no charge, the costs to produce it are significant. Your financial contributions ensure the continuity of the free podcast. Please support Occult of Personality podcast by joining the membership section https://chamberofreflection.com or via Patreon at https://patreon.com/occultofpersonality. And if you’re already supporting the show or have done so in the past – my heartfelt thanks and I salute you!

Thanks for listening and until next time . . .

“Eastern Thought in the Western Occult World” – recording of the 2012 Esoteric Book Conference panel discussion - http://occultofpersonality.net/eastern-thought-in-the-western-occult-world/

podcast 129 – Craig Williams - http://occultofpersonality.net/craig-williams/

“Voices of Modern Gnosticism” – recording of the historic panel discussion - http://occultofpersonality.net/voices-of-modern-gnosticism/

Craig Williams' Cave of the Numinous - http://occultofpersonality.net/craig-williams-cave-of-the-numinous/

intro / outro music - "The Buddha is Not" by Siddhartha - http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Siddhartha/Freedom/Siddhartha_-_Freedom_-_06_The_Buddha_Is_Not

Masonic artist Ryan J. Flynn is our guest in podcast episode 181 to discuss his artwork, Freemasonry, and his Renaissance influences. You can find Ryan’s website at http://www.ryanjflynn.com.

Ryan Flynn is a fine artist and graphic designer from New England. In 2006 Ryan studied painting and art history at the University of Richmond in Florence, Italy. This trip highly motivated him to dive deeper into studying symbolism, numerology and techniques of the masters. In 2010, Ryan became a member of Ancient York Lodge No. 89 of Free and Accepted Masons in Nashua, NH. After noticing a decline in the fine arts in Masonry, Ryan started creating Masonic inspired works, starting with two large faux stained glass windows which now adorn the Nashua Masonic Temple. This work was highly publicized in numerous magazines and websites and led to him being contacted by fellow Masons from around the world. Ryan continues to work in Nashua with many mediums and is available at any time to discuss potential works of arts.

Ryan’s artwork has been recognized and highly regarded within the Masonic community. His perspective, combined with his talent and training put him in an ideal position to help lead and inspire the Masonic Renaissance that he envisions.

If you haven’t already taken a look, the Occult of Personality Membership Section has been redesigned and resurrected as the Chamber of Reflection. Within the Chamber of Reflection, you’ll find a very fine member’s section interview with Masonic artist Ryan Flynn, an appropriate new interview at https://chamberofreflection.com.

I’d like to remind you that although you’re able to listen to this podcast at no charge, the costs to produce it are significant. Your financial contributions ensure the continuity of the free podcast. Please support Occult of Personality podcast by joining the membership section https://chamberofreflection.com or via Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality.

And if you’re already supporting the show or have done so in the past – my heartfelt thanks and I salute you!

Josephine McCarthy and Michael Sheppard of Quareia: A New School of Magic for the 21st Century join us in podcast episode 182. You can find Quareia online at https://www.quareia.com.

Josephine McCarthy has appeared twice previously on the podcast to discuss her earlier books on exorcism and magic. She is the author of the Quareia course. Michael Sheppard is the editor and the author of an upcoming book on Egyptian magic.

Josephine, Michael, Rudolf, and I have a great conversation about magic, mystery schools, and mostly Quareia, a wonderful new online magic course that is offered for free is undoubtedly a strong contender for best course material available.

“Quareia, the new school of magic for the 21st century, is a concept that was born out of conversations between adepts Josephine McCarthy and Frater Acher; two European magicians with solid magical reputations. The course is spread over three sections: Apprentice, Initiate, and Adept. Each section has ten modules, and each module has eight lessons. Each of the three sections is approximately five hundred thousand words: it is the most extensive, in-depth, and intelligent up to date magical course that is currently available worldwide. There are no teachers: the course is designed specifically for lone exploration, experience and study. The success of the Quareia student comes from hard work/personal application, inner contact, and the necessary study and work. It is a very old way of teaching and completely side steps all of the degeneracy that magical schools can become entangled in. Quareia teaches the skills that underpin many different forms of magic. Rather than just teaching a specific magical style, through learning the structural underlying techniques, forms and skills, and their various cultural, magical, and at times religious expressions from different cultures, the Quareia magician will be able to access any form of magic and understand it.”

If you’ve heard Josephine in any of her two prior interviews here or read any of her work, you’re already aware of how special she is. The depth and quality of the work that has gone into the creation of Quareia is astounding. If I had to recommend a single resource for learning the art of magic, it would undoubtedly be Quareia. That is a heavy endorsement, but one I feel certain about after having worked with enough schools and systems to have the ability to compare. Quareia provides potential students with an excellent source of knowledge to begin and sustain their magical training. I highly recommend it!

If you haven’t already taken a look, the Occult of Personality Membership Section has been redesigned and resurrected as The Chamber of Reflection at https://chamberofreflection.com. There, Josephine, Michael, Rudolf, and I continue the interview to discuss some rather interesting occurrences and lessons learned during the creation of the Quareia course. Join us for that fascinating conversation!

On Saturday, July 29th, Ezekiel Bates Lodge and Lvmen Scientiae will host a day of talks on the subject of Alchemy & Transformation! Our presenters include renowned alchemist Brian Cotnoir discussing the famed Emerald Tablet, eastern medicine practitioner and author Craig Williams speaking about the use of plant medicines and bodily health for self-realization, host of the Glitch Bottle podcast Alexander Eth talking about the magical grimoire tradition as an avenue for self-transformation, and yours truly presenting material from David Chaim Smith's upcoming book Deep Principles of Kabbalistic Alchemy. This is a singularly amazing opportunity to hear about many aspects of alchemy and magic in a single day! There will not be another event like this anytime soon, so I encourage you to attend. Tickets are $15.00 per person and available now at https://eb1870.org/alchemy-transformation/.

I’d like to remind you that although you’re able to listen to this podcast at no charge, the costs to produce it are significant. Your financial contributions ensure the continuity of the free podcast. Please support Occult of Personality podcast by joining the membership section https://chamberofreflection.com or via Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality. And if you’re already supporting the show or have done so in the past – my heartfelt thanks and I salute you!

https://josephinemccarthy.com/

https://www.facebook.com/michaelsheppardmagic/

http://occultofpersonality.net/podcast-100-josephine-mccarthy/

http://occultofpersonality.net/the-magickal-work-of-josephine-mccarthy/

intro music - "Awakenings" by Paul Avgerinos
outro music - "Ritual" by Beth Quist

Peter Mark Adams, author of The Game of Saturn: Decoding the Sola-Busca Tarocchi, published by Scarlet Imprint, is our guest in podcast episode 183. https://scarletimprint.com/publications/the-game-of-saturn

The Game of Saturn is the first full length, scholarly study of the enigmatic Renaissance masterwork known as the Sola-Busca tarocchi. It reveals the existence of a pagan liturgical and ritual tradition active amongst members of the Renaissance elite and encoded within the deck. Beneath its beautifully decorated surface, its imagery ranges from the obscure to the grotesque . . .

For the first time in over five hundred years, the clues embedded within the cards reveal a dark Gnostic grimoire replete with pagan theurgical and astral magical rites. Careful analysis demonstrates that the presiding deity of this ‘cult object’ is none other than the Gnostic demiurge in its most archaic and violent form: the Afro-Levantine serpent-dragon, Ba’al Hammon, also known as Kronos and Saturn, though more notoriously as the biblical Moloch, the devourer of children.

Conveyed from Constantinople to Italy in the dying years of the Byzantine Empire, the pagan Platonist George Gemistos Plethon sought to ensure the survival of the living essence of Neoplatonic theurgy by transplanting it to the elite families of the Italian Renaissance. Within that violent and sorcerous milieu, Plethon’s vision of a theurgically enlightened elite mutated into its dark shadow – a Saturnian brotherhood, operating within a cosmology of predation, which sought to channel the draconian current to preserve elite wealth, power and control. This development marks the birth of an ‘illumined elite’ over three centuries before Adam Weishaupt’s ‘Illuminati.’ The deck captures the essence of this magical tradition . . .

This work fully explores the historical context for the deck’s creation against the background of tense Ferrarese-Venetian diplomatic intrigue and espionage. The recovery of the deck’s encoded narratives constitutes a significant contribution to Renaissance scholarship, art history, tarot studies and the history of Western esotericism.

In my opinion, The Game of Saturn is a groundbreaking study. It reveals evidence supporting the most egregious allegations of conspiracy theorists including dragon bloodlines, black magic, and human sacrifice. Combined with the wonderful analysis of the unique Tarot imagery and symbolism, Adams has created an instant classic and revealed his own talent as a scholar, author and esotericist. I highly recommend The Game of Saturn!

Peter Mark Adams is an author, professional energy worker and healer . . . With a background in philosophy, he has been researching . . . consciousness and healing for over 35 years. Peter is also a contributor to international peer­-reviewed scholarly journals . . . and contributed numerous articles on complementary and alternative medicine, mindfulness, Reiki, breathwork, energy, esotericism and altered states of consciousness.

In the Chamber of Reflection, Peter Mark Adams, Rudolf, and I continue the interview at https://chamberofreflection.com. You’ll hear more about the elaborate cover stories that obscure the true malefic nature of the Sola-Busca Tarot, the cover stories surrounding Christianity, and Peter Mark Adams masterful analysis. He also talks about morality, psychic vampires, and more. Join us for that fascinating conversation!

I’d like to remind you that although you’re able to listen to this podcast at no charge, the costs to produce it are significant. Your financial contributions ensure the continuity of the free podcast. Please support Occult of Personality podcast by joining the membership section https://chamberofreflection.com or via Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality. And if you’re already supporting the show or have done so in the past – my heartfelt thanks and I salute you!

Peter Mark Adams - http://www.petermarkadams.com/

The Game of Saturn: Decoding the Sola-Busca Tarocchi by Peter Mark Adams - https://scarletimprint.com/publications/the-game-of-saturn

Sola-Busca tarocchi published by Scarlet Imprint - https://scarletimprint.com/publications/sola-busca-tarocchi

Intro music – “Awakening” by Paul Avgerinos - http://magnatune.com/artists/albums/avgerinos-gnosis?song=3

Outro music – “Saturn Blues” by Beats Under Control - http://magnatune.com/artists/albums/beatunder-intro?song=6

Publisher, scholar, and author Mogg Morgan joins us in podcast episode 184 to discuss independent publishing house, Mandrake of Oxford, as well as his recent books Isis: Goddess of Egypt and India and Phi-Neter: Power of the Egyptian Gods.

“Mogg Morgan is a publisher, writer, pagan practitioner, independent scholar & theorist. He was Wellcome research student at Oxford, where his teacher was the late Professor B K Matilal, a widely respected expert on South Asian rational thought. He has published on both Indology & Egyptology. His books include Ayurveda: Medicine of the Gods and Sexual Magick. More recently, Morgan has authored a sequence of books combining academic research with practical experimentation beginning with Tankhem: Seth & Egyptian Magick, The Bull of Ombos: Seth and Egyptian Magick II, The Ritual Year in Ancient Egypt, Supernatural Assault in Ancient Egypt, Phi-Neter: Power of the Egyptian Gods, and Isis: Goddess of Egypt & India.”

Morgan’s work demonstrating continuity of the Egyptian religious cult over wide geographic and temporal distances is insightful and adds rich complexity to our understanding of these ancient deities and the people who worship(ped) them. I very much appreciate Morgan’s work along these lines, exploring the depth of ancient religious tradition and its extension into modern times.

Now in the Chamber of Reflection, the Occult of Personality membership section, there are a couple of new recordings for members—an interview with the publishers of Fraternal Review magazine discussing their reader-voted list of top Masonic books, and a profile of the originator of Christian Cabala, Giovanni Pico della Mirandola. Join now to receive access and support the show at https://chamberofreflection.com or via Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality. And if you’re already supporting the show or have done so in the past – my heartfelt thanks and I salute you!

https://mandrake.uk.net/
https://mandrake.uk.net/isis-goddess/
https://mandrake.uk.net/phi-neter-the-power-of-egyptian-gods/

intro music – “Awakening” by Paul Avgerinos
outro music – “Kirvani” by Simone Angele and Amir Kalhor

Christian Giudice, a scholar of modern occultism and Traditionalism, joins us in podcast episode 185 to discuss his dissertation entitled Occultism and Traditionalism: Arturo Reghini and the Antimodern Reaction in Early Twentieth Century Italy.

Christian Giudice is a PhD scholar at the University of Gothenburg. His thesis analyses the interaction between Modernity and its impact on the Occult milieu of early twentieth-century Italy, focusing on Arturo Reghini (1878-1946) as a case study. Reghini was actively involved in most of the occult manifestations on the Italian peninsula during his lifetime. Thus he represents a fundamental figure if we want to better understand the convoluted period leading up to the Great War and the rise of Benito Mussolini.

Giudice obtained an BA Honours Degree in Literae Humniores (Classics) from St. Hugh’s College, Oxford (2001) and more recently an MA with distinction in Western Esotericism, with a thesis focusing on Kenneth Grant and post-Crowleyan magic (2011). In 2012 he was elected Student Representative for ESSWE (European Society for the Study of Western Esotericism) for the year 2013. His other research interests include Traditionalism in a wider perspective (Guenon, Schuon, Evola, Coomaraswamy), Thelema and its developments after the death of Aleister Crowley (1875-1947), fin de siecle Occultism in England, France and Italy, Occultism and the visual arts.

For a list of publications see: http://gu-se.academia.edu/ChristianGiudice

Arturo Reghini was born in Florence on 12 November 1878. Since a very young age his interest in the occult was noticeable and in 1898 he was among the founding members of the Theosophical lodge in Rome. Having obtained a degree in Mathematics at Pisa University, Reghini frequented the cultural milieu of the Florentine Scapigliatura, lecturing, frequenting literary cafes and writing on seminal journals such as La Voce and the futurist Lacerba.

In 1910 he claimed to have been initiated to an ancient Pythagorean initiatory school by Amedeo Armentano. After WWI, in which Reghini voluntarily enlisted, along with many other traditionalist thinkers gravitating around him, in the 1920s, Reghini founded journals which allowed him to express his views on occult, political and literary topics, being the editor in chief of Atanor, Ignis and Ur.

These journals were fundamental in circulating ideas which would influence many thinkers who are nowadays better known than Reghini himself: among the authors collaborating with Reghini we thus find Rene Guenon (1886-1951), Julius Evola and Aniceto Del Massa (1898-1975).

Reghini’s involvement with Freemasonry was constant between 1902 and 1925, the year in which masonic organizations were banned in Italy. It is within the folds of fringe masonry that Reghini found fertile ground for his ideas concerning a reform of modern Freemasonry, which invoked a return to its spiritual origins, considered to be Mediterranean by the Florentine thinker. Reghini’s involvement with Eduardo Frosini (1879 – ?) is well documented in this regard.

The Lateran Accords of 1929 between the Fascist regime and Pope Pius XI put an end to Reghini’s, and other traditional thinkers, to influence the newly-born political cabinet. Reghini then seemed to become isolated from the activities of the Roman cultural milieu, moving to Budrio to teach mathematics in a private school and to pursue his studies on Pythagoric numbers, for which he received recognition from the prestigious Accademia dei Lincei in 1931. He died in 1946, leaving a legacy, which only in recent years has been picked up by Italian scholars.

In the members’ only site at https://chamberofreflection.com, Christian Giudice, Rudolf, and I continue the interview, focusing on Italian occultists infiltration of Masonic lodges in order to spread their ideology. Join us for that fascinating conversation by signing up at the Chamber of Reflection or via Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality.

Arturo Reghini & Roman Traditionalism @ http://reghini.com/ and on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/arturoreghini

intro music – “Awakening” by Paul Avgerinos - http://magnatune.com/artists/albums/avgerinos-gnosis?song=3

outro music – “The Limb of the Fiend” by Harlan Williams - http://magnatune.com/artists/albums/harlan-glass?song=3

Richard Gavin, the acclaimed author of Gothic horror and esoteric manifesto, joins us in podcast episode 186 to discuss his recent fiction anthology, Sylvan Dread, available from Three Hands Press.

Richard Gavin is an acclaimed author whose work explores the realm where dread and the sublime conjoin. His supernatural tales have been published in five collections, including Sylvan Dread and At Fear’s Altar. In 2015 he co-edited (with Patricia Cram and Daniel A. Schulke) Penumbrae: An Occult Fiction Anthology. Richard’s works of esotericism have appeared in Starfire Journal, Clavis: Journal of Occult Arts, Letters and Experience, and The Luminous Stone. His nocturnal manifesto The Benighted Path: Primeval Gnosis and the Monstrous Soul was released by Theion Publishing in 2016.

The twelve tales in Sylvan Dread examine the Sinister Pastoral, the transgressive power emergent from the landscape, the Forlorn Place, and the nightmare-inducing power of its concealed entic forms. Of this genre, the author has said:

“Too often human beings mistake the man-made environments that cloister them as being the world entire. But Nature was made neither by us nor for us. This primordial truth is one that many of my characters must grapple with in Sylvan Dread. The inversion of everyday preconceptions about life and death, materialism and the imaginal; the rush of the Hidden into the apparent; the sudden rending of the veil; these are what I consider to be the essential hallmarks of the Sinister Pastoral.”

Richard Gavin’s work is exemplary in the realm of modern supernatural fiction. The dark tales in Sylvan Dread not only take the reader for a journey, they convey an unexpected depth of visceral feeling. While I didn’t have a chance to read his manifesto, The Benighted Path, it was eminently interesting to explore its themes with him during our talk. I think you’ll agree.

While outside the scope of our interview, Gavin’s most recent work, The Moribund Portal, has just been announced. According to Richard, “[The book is] a concise monograph of esoteric non-fiction. It will be published in May 2018 by Three Hands Press. The cover painting is by the astonishingly talented Benjamin A Vierling.”

Beyond its vulgar function as a means of execution, the Gallows has long served as a source of esoteric power. From the severed appendage of the thief that becomes the Hand of Glory to the fallen seed that spawns the mandrake root, the Hanging Place is awash in the sinistral ambiance of authentic Sorcery. Richard Gavin weaves together threads of folklore, spiritism, and occult philosophy to create a tapestry of grim vitality. The Moribund Portal: Spectral Resonance and the Numen of the Gallows examines the subtle yet potent symbiosis that exists between the incarnate world and the realm of the Dead. This book’s exploration of the liminal space between firmament and earth, where Odin perceived the runes and Christ witnessed the celestial kingdom, is designed to illuminate the macabre portal through which one may glimpse the Otherworld.

At our membership site, Chamber of Reflection, hear Richard Gavin talk more about primeval gnosis and even offer some practical guidelines and ways for listeners to become better attuned to the rhythms of nature and thereby the natural state of mind. Join us for that wonderful conversation!

Although you’re able to listen to this podcast at no charge, it costs time and money to create. We ask you to support our efforts and the creation of future podcasts by joining the membership section at https://chamberofreflection.com or subscribing via Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality. And if you’re already supporting the show or have done so in the past – my heartfelt thanks and I salute you!

Richard Gavin - http://www.richardgavin.net/

Sylvan Dread by Richard Gavin - https://threehandspress.com/sylvan-dread/

“Realizing the Primordial Image” by Richard Gavin - https://clavisjournal.com/realizing-the-primordial-image/

Podcast 55: David Beth – Voudon Gnosis - http://occultofpersonality.net/podcast-55-david-beth/

The Moribund Portal: Spectral Resonance and the Numen of the Gallows by Richard Gavin - https://www.amazon.com/Moribund-Portal-Spectral-Resonance-Gallows/dp/1945147245

The Benighted Path: Primeval Gnosis and the Monstrous Soul by Richard Gavin - http://www.theionpublishing.com/books/the-benighted-path-primeval-gnosis-and-the-monstrous-soul/

Penumbrae: An Occult Fiction Anthology edited by Richard Gavin, Patricia Cram & Daniel A. Schulke - https://threehandspress.com/penumbrae/

At Fear’s Altar by Richard Gavin - https://hippocampuspress.com/mythos-and-other-authors/fiction/at-fears-altar-by-richard-gavin

intro – “Awakening” by Paul Avgerinos - http://magnatune.com/artists/albums/avgerinos-gnosis?song=3

outro – “Dark Hushes Light” by Mikal Evans - http://magnatune.com/artists/albums/mevans-jailhouse?song=1

Gabriel McCaughry and Helene M. Arts are our guests in podcast episode 187 to discuss the new edition of Pillars: The Scalding of Sapientia from Anathema Publishing Ltd.

"Of all the daimons that have plagued or blessed mankind throughout history, our muse, Wisdom, is perhaps the most elusive of all. Known by many names and terms – Gnosis, Sapientia, Pistis Sophia, and LuxFerre among many others – this varied and challenging topic is difficult to discuss using mere semantics; so liquid are Its inherent qualities and so fierce is Its passion!

"This spirit-force represents every manifested Idea and Ideal, be they creative intelligence or a self-annealing process that guides the pilgrim along the Path of Exile & Exalt. As a “living” and moving ethos/archetype/notion, Sapientia itself (regardless of chosen deific or prosaic name for it), is truly a discarnate entity. Its secrets are revealed simply, poignantly, and profoundly, but this gift comes at a certain price – a heavy and oftentimes formidable one at that!

"The theme of this upcoming issue could not be more Luciferian in essence, as it is the very foundation of Luciferian praxis and applied tenets. In layman's terms, it revolves around the concept and application of “Sacrifice” in the pursuit of Truth, to reach Henosis with the Divine-Within.

"The Scalding of Sapientia is a compendium of personal operations, insights, journal entries and excerpts, detailed compilations and interpretations, notable turning points in one’s occult journey, and specifically, the zeniths and nadirs one can experience when undertaking such a colossal mission that may come with realizations that may either make or break one’s persona in the Cosmogony of the Possible."

Allow me to congratulate Gabriel on another marvelous tome. The new Pillars is a thing of beauty, containing many worthwhile essays. Several standouts include Craig Williams’ two essays, Helene’s contribution which she talks about during our interview, Gabriel’s written and visual pieces, Waggener’s essay, and Carl Abrahamsson’s “The Mega Golem is Alive and Well.” The covers of the book are magnificently conceived and executed. Perhaps most importantly, Pillars is an ongoing endeavor that provides stimulus and a container for esoteric expression, honoring that which shines in darkness, enshrining it in written form. If you don’t have a copy, you should. Anathema Publishing has established a solid record for exceptional books over the past few years and this is one of the best.

Gabriel McCaughry is the founder and operator of Anathema Publishing, also serving as the editor and curator of Pillars.

Helene M. Arts contributed an outstanding essay to Pillars, "An Existential Crisis on the Left-Hand Path," and appeared previously in Occult of Personality podcast episode 179.

In the Chamber of Reflection, Helene M. Arts, Gabriel McCaughry, Rudolf, and I continue the interview. Gabriel and Helene share some secrets for aspiring publishers, artists, musicians, writers, and other creative types. Their experience is invaluable in this regard. Join us for that inspired conversation!

I’d like to remind you that although you’re able to listen to this podcast at no charge, it costs time and money to create. We ask you to support our efforts and the creation of future podcasts by joining the membership section at https://chamberofreflection.com or subscribing via Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality. And if you’re already supporting the show or have done so in the past – my heartfelt thanks and I salute you!

https://www.anathemapublishing.com/pillars-the-scalding-of-sapientia

https://www.anathemapublishing.com/

http://witchhollow.ca/

intro – “Awakening” by Paul Avgerinos

outro – “Lucifer” by Stanislav

Aki Cederberg, author of Journeys in the Kali Yuga: A Pilgrimage from Esoteric India to Pagan Europe, published by Inner Traditions, is our guest in podcast episode 188.

"Beautifully detailing his spiritual pilgrimage from West to East and back again, in the age of strife known as the Kali Yuga, Aki Cederberg shares the authentic and unbroken magical traditions he experienced in India and Nepal and how his search for a spiritual homeland ultimately led him back to his native Europe.

"Cederberg explains how his odyssey began as a search for spiritual roots, something missing in the spiritually disconnected life of the Western world, where the indigenous traditions were long ago severed by the spread of Christianity. Traveling to India, he encounters the ancient esoteric order of mystic, wild, naked holy men known as the Naga Babas, the living source of the Hindu traditions of magic and yoga. Immersing himself in the teachings of the tradition, he receives an initiation and partakes in the Kumbh Mela, the largest spiritual gathering on Earth. With his evocative descriptions, Cederberg shows how traveling in India can be an overwhelming, even psychedelic experience. Everything in this ancient land is multiplied and manifold: people and things, sights and sounds, joy and suffering. Yet beyond the apparent confusion and chaos, a strange, subtle order begins to reveal itself. He starts to glimpse resemblances and analogies between the teachings of the Indian tradition and the Western traditions of magic, alchemy, and pagan pantheons. He meets a wide cast of characters, from mystical hucksters in Rishikesh and the veritable army of naked, chillum-smoking mystics of Maya Devi to Goa Gil, the world-renowned guru of the Goa techno-trance scene, and Mahant Amar Bharti Ji, an urdhvabahu or “raised-arm Baba,” who for more than 40 years has held up one arm in devotion to Shiva.

"After extensive traveling and immersing himself in the extraordinary world of India, Cederberg returns to his native soil of Europe. Traveling to holy places where old pagan divinities still linger in the shadows of the modern world, he dreams of forgotten gods and contemplates how they might be awakened yet again, reconnecting the West with its own pre-Christian spiritual traditions, sacred landscapes, and soul."

I enjoyed Journeys in the Kali Yuga tremendously. In addition to feeling as though I was accompanying the author on his travels and gaining insights along the way, his razor-like commentary on the differences between modern society and esoteric spiritual tradition are both startling and welcome. Many of the conclusions Aki draws from his experiences echo my own and reinforce to me the importance of authentic tradition and veneration of lineages that produce realized beings. Additionally, the way in which Cederberg is using the wisdom he’s gained to delve deeper into his own pagan tradition is inspiring. A movement from modernism to a futurism informed by authentic traditional ways is a welcome shift from New Age spirituality.

"Aki Cederberg is a writer, musician, and filmmaker, who gives talks and lectures on esoteric and mythological topics. An extensive traveler, he has written for The Fenris Wolf book anthologies as well as several other publications. A member of several musical groups and a part of the podcast Radio Wyrd, he lives in Helsinki, Finland."

In the Chamber of Reflection, Aki Cederberg, Rudolf, and I continue the interview. Aki describes the spiritual desolation of modern secular society and his hopes to inspire those looking to reawaken ancestral spiritual legacy. He also stresses that pilgrimage is not complete without homecoming. Join us for that inspired conversation!

I’d like to remind you that although you’re able to listen to this podcast at no charge, it costs time and money to create. We ask you to support our efforts and the creation of future podcasts by joining the membership section at https://chamberofreflection.com or subscribing via Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality. And if you’re already supporting the show or have done so in the past – my heartfelt thanks and I salute you!

https://www.akicederberg.com

https://www.innertraditions.com/journeys-in-the-kali-yuga.html

intro music - "Awakenings" by Paul Avgerinos

outro music - "Nordic Bells" by Lunar5

We have three separate interviews in episode 189: visionary artist Mani C. Price, author and musician Derek Hunter, and activist, author, and Tai Chi teacher Ethan Indigo Smith.

Mani C. Price is a NYC visionary artist who paints ordinary women into exotic, self-empowered goddesses. Art and magick are her passions. Mani is also creating an animated short film about writer H.P. Lovecraft entitled "The Unnamable." Please consider supporting Mani's Kickstarter - https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/manitheuncanny/the-unnamable-hp-lovecraft-short-animated-filmcampaign to create the film. Mani shares her expertise in regards to spiritual work during this fascinating interview. In addition to Mani's evocative artwork, her talents in working with the spirit realm are formidable. You can find Mani online at http://manitheuncanny.com/. We hope you enjoy this interview as much as we did!

Next is author and musician Derek Hunter. Derek is the author of Love Chaos: A New Religion, A New Philosophy, A New Way of Life. He is also the author of several works of fiction, has created several music albums, and is a practitioner of the Tarot. While Hunter's main focus is as an author of fiction, his work in music, philosophy, and the tarot is also very important to him. All aspects of Hunter's work are interconnected with one another. You can find Derek online at https://www.chaosriddler.com/.

Third, we have an interview with activist, author, and Tai Chi teacher Ethan Indigo Smith. Activist, author and Tai Chi teacher Ethan Indigo Smith was born on a farm in Maine and lived in Manhattan for a number of years before migrating west to Mendocino, California. Guided by a keen sense of integrity and humanity, Ethan’s work is both deeply connected and extremely insightful, blending philosophy, politics, activism, spirituality, meditation and a unique sense of humour. Ethan’s most popular publications include “108 Steps to Be in The Zone”, a set of 108 meditative practices for self discovery and individual betterment, and “The Little Green Book of Revolution” an inspirational book based on ideas of peaceful revolution, historical activism and caring for the Earth like Native Americans. His latest book, “The Geometry Of Energy”, explores meditation and meditative energies through the sacred dimensions of geometry. You can follow Ethan at www.facebook.com/108Zone.

In the Chamber of Reflection, we’ve had a number of excellent member Q&A’s with past guests including Craig Williams and Josephine McCarthy. Our next member Q&A with esoteric researcher David Metcalfe is coming soon, along with more original lectures and interviews!

I’d like to remind you that although you’re able to listen to this podcast at no charge, it costs time and money to create. We ask you to support our efforts and the creation of future podcasts by joining the membership section at https://chamberofreflection.com or subscribing via Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality. And if you’re already supporting the show or have done so in the past – my heartfelt thanks and I salute you!

Two Night Event! The Kabbalistic Alchemy of David Chaim Smith & Celestial Intelligences: The Angelology of Pico della Mirandola - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/two-night-event-the-kabbalistic-alchemy-of-david-chaim-smith-celestial-intelligences-pico-della-tickets-44454178645?aff=erellivmlt

Mani C. Price - http://manitheuncanny.com

Mani's Kickstarter - "The Unnamable: An H.P. Lovecraft Animated Short Film" - https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/manitheuncanny/the-unnamable-hp-lovecraft-short-animated-film

Derek Hunter - https://www.chaosriddler.com/

Ethan Indigo Smith on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/108Zone/

Ethan Indigo Smith on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Ethan-Indigo-Smith/e/B0058V4P2U/

Ethan Indigo Smith on Wake Up World - https://wakeup-world.com/category/contributing-writers/ethan-indigo-smith/

intro – “Awakening” by Paul Avgerinos

outro – “Companion of Three” by Barry James

Acclaimed author Gary Lachman, who has appeared on the show previously, joins us in podcast episode 190 to discuss his recent, and arguably one of his most important books, The Lost Knowledge of the Imagination.

Lachman has contributed an important and useful primer to the perennial philosophy and a guide for those ready to explore different, more authentic perspectives of reality. While it may be overshadowed by more sensational or popular material by this author, The Lost Knowledge of the Imagination is my favorite work by Gary Lachman. This book speaks to the soul and invites the reader to consider a way of perceiving that re-enchants the world.

“The ability to imagine is at the heart of what makes us human. Through our imagination we experience more fully the world both around us and within us. Imagination plays a key role in creativity and innovation.

“Until the seventeenth century, the human imagination was celebrated. Since then, with the emergence of science as the dominant worldview, imagination has been marginalized -- depicted as a way of escaping reality, rather than knowing it more profoundly -- and its significance to our humanity has been downplayed.

“Yet as we move further into the strange new dimensions of the twenty-first century, the need to regain this lost knowledge seems more necessary than ever before.

“This insightful and inspiring book argues that, for the sake of our future in the world, we must reclaim the ability to imagine and redress the balance of influence between imagination and science.

“Through the work of Owen Barfield, Goethe, Henry Corbin, Kathleen Raine, and others, and ranging from the teachings of ancient mystics to the latest developments in neuroscience, The Lost Knowledge of the Imagination draws us back to a philosophy and tradition that restores imagination to its rightful place, essential to our knowing reality to the full, and to our very humanity itself.”

Gary Lachman is one of today’s most respected writers on esoteric and occult themes. His many books – including those on Madame Blavatsky, Aleister Crowley, Swedenborg, Jung the Mystic, and Rudolf Steiner— have received international acclaim. A founding member of the band Blondie, Lachman has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He lives in London and you can find his web site at garylachman.co.uk.

In the Chamber of Reflection, we continue the interview with Gary Lachman, straying into territory covered in his most recent book Dark Star Rising: Magick and Power in the Age of Trump. Join us for that fascinating and important conversation!

And I’d like to remind you that although you’re able to listen to this podcast at no charge, it costs time and money to create. We ask you to support our efforts and the creation of future podcasts by joining the membership section at https://chamberofreflection.com. And if you’re already supporting the show or have done so in the past – my heartfelt thanks and I salute you!

https://www.amazon.com/Lost-Knowledge-Imagination-Gary-Lachman/dp/1782504451

intro music – "Awakening" by Paul Avgerinos

outro music – "Imagination" by Zebrat

Author, futurist, and wizard Jason Louv joins us in podcast episode 191 to discuss his recent book John Dee and the Empire of Angels: Enochian Magick and the Occult Roots of the Modern World.

“John Dee (1527-1608), Queen Elizabeth I’s court advisor and astrologer, was the foremost scientific genius of the 16th century. . . But, as Jason Louv explains, Dee was suppressed from mainstream history because he spent the second half of his career developing a method for contacting angels. After a brilliant ascent from star student at Cambridge to scientific advisor to the Queen, Dee, with the help of a disreputable, criminal psychic named Edward Kelley, devoted ten years to communing with the angels. . . Piecing together Dee’s fragmentary Spirit Diaries and scrying sessions, the author examines Enochian in precise detail and explains how the angels used Dee and Kelley as agents to establish a New World Order that they hoped would . . . eventually dominate the entire globe.

“Presenting a comprehensive overview of Dee’s life and work, Louv examines his scientific achievements, intelligence and spy work, imperial strategizing, and Enochian magick, establishing a psychohistory of John Dee as a singular force and fundamental driver of Western history. Exploring Dee’s influence on Sir Francis Bacon, the development of modern science, seventeenth-century Rosicrucianism, the nineteenth-century occult revival, and twentieth-century occultists such as Jack Parsons, Aleister Crowley, and Anton LaVey, Louv shows how John Dee continues to impact science and the occult to this day.”

As I told Jason during the interview, his book quickly became my favorite on the history of John Dee and Enochian magick. Jason’s work as both a scholar and practitioner allowed him to deliver some extraordinary insights that more fully illuminate the story of Dee and Kelley and enlarge the context of Enochian magick in the history of Western civilization. Louv deserves credit for delving so deeply into this work and sharing it with us. If you’re interested in this subject, Louv’s book deserves a place on your shelf.

For the last twenty years, Jason Louv has dedicated himself to exploring, reporting on and teaching some of the world’s sacred traditions, especially Western magick and occultism. He currently teaches meditation and magick at his online education portal Magick.Me. Jason also interviews spiritual, technological and outsider thinkers weekly on the Ultraculture With Jason Louv podcast. You can find Jason online at http://jasonlouv.com.

In the Chamber of Reflection, our membership website at https://chamberofreflection.com/, we continue this often-provocative interview with Jason Louv, delving even more deeply into his research on John Dee and Enochian magick. We also discuss Jason’s views on the modern political landscape and magic from a modern perspective. Join us for that fascinating and important conversation!

And I’d like to remind you that although you’re able to listen to this podcast at no charge, it costs time and money to create. We ask you to support our efforts and the creation of future podcasts by joining the membership section at https://chamberofreflection.com. And if you’re already supporting the show or have done so in the past – my heartfelt thanks and I salute you!

http://jasonlouv.com/

https://johndee007.com/

https://ultraculture.org/

intro music – “Awakening” by Paul Avgerinos

outro music – “Angel” by Artemis

Josef Wäges, the preeminent scholar studying the Order of the Illuminati, and a prominent Freemason, joins us in podcast episode 192 to discuss the history of the Order of the Illuminati, its founder Adam Weishaupt, the Freemasonic associations of the order, and its downfall, along with Josef’s work editing the newly released collected works of Weishaupt consisting of writings that supplement and enhance the original Order of the Illuminati degree rituals and doctrines. For more information about these books, go to https://maltaminervaleditions.com.

Adam Weishaupt founded the Order of the Illuminati on May 1st, 1776 and was the general of the order until mid-1784.

On Materialism and Idealism was first published by Weishaupt in 1786 and has long been considered to be one of his philosophical works. After the publication of the Secret School of Wisdom, the Authentic Ritual and Doctrines of the Illuminati, it has been discovered to in fact be the completion of the Docetist degree of the Illuminati. This degree was the second highest degree in the ritual system of the Illuminati and contemplates the existence of God and the immortality of the soul through logical secular reasoning. This refined and completed philosophical treatise was originally intended to be read by a select few within the inner circle of the Order.

It is an honor and a privilege for me to be able to bring you this interview with Josef Wäges. While some information about the Order of the Illuminati has been widely known for hundreds of years, it wasn’t until the first book Josef edited, The Secret School of Wisdom, was released that we got a glimpse of the rituals and doctrines of the order. Now, with the release of Weishaupt’s collected works, we get the actual writings that describe the philosophy that Weishaupt believed in so greatly providing insights heretofore unimaginable. It was a great pleasure to speak with Josef about his study of this work and gain a greater understanding of the order and the man behind it to such a degree that it is no longer possible to consider it in the superficial way that it has so often been portrayed. Josef deserves credit for uncovering one of the historical mysteries of Western secret societies and if you are interested in this subject, you need these books from https://maltaminervaleditions.com. No other source can compare.

Josef Wäges, 32° Freemason, is a member of the Blue Friars, member of Plano Lodge #768, Fate Lodge #802, the Dallas Valley of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry (Southern Jurisdiction), Fellow of the Grand College of Rites, full member of the Texas Lodge of Research, Michigan Lodge of Research, and life member of the Missouri Lodge of Research. Editor of The Secret School of Wisdom, the Authentic Rituals and Doctrines of the Illuminati, and On Materialism and Idealism, he is currently preparing the forthcoming books: Ecossais Masonry: A History of the High Degrees from the Scots Master to the Order of the Royal Secret for Scottish Rite Research Society, The Columbian Illuminati, and The Improved System of the Illuminati.

In the Chamber of Reflection, our membership website, we continue this fascinating interview with Josef Wäges, delving even more deeply into his research on Adam Weishaupt and the Order of the Illuminati. It’s wonderful to explore the history and philosophy of the Illuminati with new information so many years after its dissolution and Josef shares his learned insights with us. Join us for that fascinating and important conversation!

And I’d like to remind you that although you’re able to listen to this podcast at no charge, it costs time and money to create. We ask you to support our efforts and the creation of future podcasts by joining the membership section at https://chamberofreflection.com or subscribing via Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality. And if you’re already supporting the show or have done so in the past – my heartfelt thanks and I salute you!

Thanks for listening and until next time . . .

intro music – “Awakening” by Paul Avgerinos

outro music – “illuminated path” by ketsa

This is episode 193 featuring an interview with my good friend Rudolf Berger, co-host of Occult of Personality podcast and the host of the Thoth-Hermes podcast.

Known on the internet by his pseudonym Gnothi Seauton, Rudolf is the producer and host of the Thoth-Hermes Podcast, which can be found at http://www.thothermes.com. He can also be heard as my co-host on the Occult of Personality podcast.

Rudolf has been interested in the world of esotericism and occultism for over three decades. A Freemason for more than a quarter of a century and a member of the Scottish Rite, his first interest in esoteric sciences came about when reading books by Rudolf Steiner. Later, after experiences in shamanism, Theosophy and ritual magic, he broadened his knowledge and personal involvement to many fields of the Western esoteric tradition.

Today Rudolf calls himself a “gnostic Hermeticist” with a very strong link to ceremonial magic. He is also greatly interested in sacred geometry and the implication of sound and music in the occult arts. “The longer I am active in this field, the clearer it becomes to me how closely linked many of those currents are, how their roots and aims are one”, Rudolf says. He is practicing the art mostly as a solitary worker but maintains links to several occult groups.

In the profane world Rudolf has been working very successfully in the field of the performing arts. He initially trained as an actor, speaker and opera singer, then mostly worked as artistic director and producer in the world of classical music and opera. Recently he quit the management field to place himself more extensively again on the creative side, mainly in writing and directing. And he has taken on the work of a funeral celebrant, trying to help the bereaved by creating and leading personal ceremonies to honor their beloved ones.

Rudolf lives near beautiful Vienna, Austria.

You can contact him by email at info@thothermes.com, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/thpodcast/ and Twitter @thothermesat.

In the Chamber of Reflection, we continue this fascinating interview with Rudolf Berger. He talks more about Thoth-Hermes podcast and revitalization of the esoteric environment in Europe, his involvement with the Fraternitas Saturni, his appreciation for the Hermetic teachings of Franz Bardon, and more. Join us for that fascinating conversation!

And I’d like to remind you that although you’re able to listen to this podcast at no charge, it costs time and money to create. We ask you to support our efforts and the creation of future podcasts by joining the membership section at https://chamberofreflection.com or subscribing via Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality. And if you’re already supporting the show or have done so in the past – my heartfelt thanks and I salute you!

Mark Stavish, author of Egregores: The Occult Entities That Watch Over Human Destiny, is our guest in podcast episode 194.

Mark Stavish, the Director of Studies for the Institute for Hermetic Studies and a life-long student of esotericism with over 35 years of experience in comparative religion, philosophy, psychology, and mysticism with emphasis on Western spiritual traditions. He has authored more than 26 books including The Path of Alchemy and Kabbalah for Health and Wellness. Stavish is also the author of the blog VOXHERMES at https://voxhermes.wordpress.com/.

In this wide-ranging and extended interview, Mark Stavish and I discuss his recent book, Egregores, and a myriad of related subjects including eastern religion, the relationship between divinity, deity, and humanity, the modern political landscape and the interface with esoteric belief systems, and much more!

“One of most important but little-known concepts of Western occultism is that of the egregore, an autonomous psychic entity created by a collective group mind. An egregore is sustained by belief, ritual, and sacrifice and relies upon the devotion of a group of people, from a small coven to an entire nation, for its existence. An egregore that receives enough sustenance can take on a life of its own, becoming an independent deity with powers its believers can use to further their own spiritual advancement and material desires.

“Presenting the first book devoted to the study of egregores, Mark Stavish examines the history of egregores from ancient times to present day, with detailed and documented examples, and explores how they are created, sustained, directed, and destroyed. He explains how egregores were well known in the classical period of ancient Greece and Rome, when they were consciously called into being to watch over city states. He explores the egregore concept as it was understood in various Western Mystery traditions, including the Corpus Hermeticum, and offers further examples from Tibetan Buddhism, Islam, modern esoteric orders such as the Order of the Golden Dawn and Rosicrucianism, the writings of H. P. Lovecraft and Kenneth Grant, and the followers of Julius Evola and Aleister Crowley. The author discusses how, even as the fundamental principles of the egregore were forgotten, egregores continue to be formed, sometimes by accident.

“Stavish provides instructions on how to identify egregores, free yourself from a parasitic and destructive collective entity, and destroy an egregore, should the need arise. Revealing how egregores form the foundation of nearly all human interactions, the author shows how egregores have moved into popular culture and media--underscoring the importance of intense selectivity in the information we accept and the ways we perceive the world and our place in it.”

Mark Stavish's book Egregores is well-researched, very interesting, and thought-provoking. For all those interested in esotericism, I would consider it a must-read. I found it to be quite timely as well considering his approach juxtaposed with current events. While I did not agree with the premise completely in regards to whether deity is a subset of humanity, Stavish's book would certainly be a worthwhile addition to any occult library and as far as I know, it is the only serious treatment of the subject that I've read. I appreciated the opportunity to discuss it with Mr. Stavish at length during this interview.

Just as an aside, it was not as easy as you might imagine to bring you this interview. We must have rescheduled more than half a dozen times for various reasons. Then on the day of the recording, my co-host Rudolf was unable to attend. Immediately after finishing the recording, my computer crashed. But we have persevered to provide you with an extended and quite excellent interview. Enjoy!

The intro music is “Awakening” by Paul Avgerinos and the outro music is “I Watch Over You” by Federico Moscogiuri.

In the Chamber of Reflection, we’ve begun our study circle around P.D. Ouspensky’s excellent book The Psychology of Man’s Possible Evolution! This wonderful little text contains transcriptions of a few of Ouspensky’s lectures based on the teachings of G.I. Gurdjieff and contains some marvelous insights into the human condition. Join us to read and discuss a lesser-known book that holds great potential to unlock our understanding of our own minds and how to begin the process of transformation.

And I’d like to remind you that although you’re able to listen to this podcast at no charge, it costs time and money to create. We ask you to support our efforts and the creation of future podcasts by joining the membership section at https://chamberofreflection.com or subscribing via Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality. And if you’re already supporting the show or have done so in the past – my heartfelt thanks and I salute you!

Egregores: The Occult Entities That Watch Over Human Destiny by Mark Stavish - https://www.amazon.com/Egregores-Occult-Entities-Watch-Destiny/dp/1620555778

Institute for Hermetic Studies - http://www.hermeticinstitute.org/

Gabriel McCaughry, founder of Anathema Publishing Ltd. (https://www.anathemapublishing.com/) and author of (h)Auroræ is our guest in podcast episode 195. This is a special two-part episode and you will find the second half available at Rudolf’s Thoth-Hermes podcast at https://www.thothermes.com/.

"Gabriel McCaughry is the founder, editor, publisher, and contributing writer to Anathema's PILLARS occult periodical, Gabriel has fully overseen the creation and publishing of several well-respected esoteric titles including Craig Williams' Entering the Desert and Cult of Golgotha.

"A pilgrim in the Mystery Tradition, Gabriel is deeply fascinated with all subjects relating to Alchemy, Hermeticism, and the Nameless Arte . . . he walks the Path of a Luciferian Gnostic. His systemic (albeit very personal and customized) approach to praxes and devotion stems from a profound love . . . "

"(h)Auroræ is Gabriel McCaughry’s first published manuscript – a tome which correlates directly with Anathema Publishing’s mandate, along with his unique views and methodologies on alchemical book-making. This is very much a continuation in the spirit of his previous contributions to the PILLARS occult periodical (and elsewhere), but within (h)Auroræ, these concepts are fully developed and actualized."

(h)Auroræ, an exploration of the Gabriel McCaughry’s devotion to mystical alchemy is replete with cryptic verse, beautiful production, wonderful esoteric art and symbols all synthesized in an act of devotion to the quest for the Great Mystery. McCaughry’s book, like all of those he produces for Anathema Publishing, is an exemplar in terms of modern esoteric publishing. The artwork, fonts, paper, and book craftsmanship are exquisite. (h)Auroræ brings the tradition of cryptic alchemical texts into the twenty-first century with grace and beauty.

In the Chamber of Reflection, Rudolf and I ruminate over the recent interview with Mark Stavish about his book on egregores in a rather interesting conversation about humanity’s place in the scheme of things. And the member’s Q&A with Frater Ashen Chassan has been recorded and should be available in early February. Finally, our discussion circle around P.D. Ouspensky’s excellent book The Psychology of Man’s Possible Evolution is ongoing and the audio of the third lecture with discussion questions will be ready soon.

I’d like to remind you that although you’re able to listen to this podcast at no charge, it costs time and money to create. We ask you to support our efforts and the creation of future podcasts by joining the membership section at https://chamberofreflection.com or subscribing via Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality. And if you’re already supporting the show or have done so in the past – my heartfelt thanks and I salute you!

https://www.anathemapublishing.com/haurorae

https://www.anathemapublishing.com/gabriel-mccaughry

intro music - "Awakening" by Paul Avgerinos

outro music - "Tending the Light" by Ghost of Maine

This is episode 196 featuring an interview with C. R. Dunning, Jr., author of Contemplative Masonry: Basic Applications of Mindfulness, Meditation, and Imagery for the Craft. You can find Chuck Dunning online at https://chuckdunning.com/.

"Chuck Dunning has been a Master Mason since 1988. Chuck is a Full Member of the Texas Lodge of Research and belongs to a number of other Masonic research societies. In the Scottish Rite, Chuck is a Knight Commander of the Court of Honor, Director of Education for the Guthrie Valley in Oklahoma, and a Class Director for the Fort Worth Valley in Texas. In 2012 he became the founding Superintendent of the Academy of Reflection, which is a chartered organization for Scottish Rite Masons wanting to integrate contemplative practice with their Masonic experience. Chuck is a member of the Society for Contemplative Mind in Higher Education and has been engaged in various forms of contemplative practice for over three decades. In his career in higher education and mental health, in Masonry, and with other groups and individuals, he facilitates and teaches mindfulness, meditation, and imagery to enhance peoples’ experiences of life in many ways. Chuck holds a master’s degree in counselor education and a bachelor’s degree in psychology, both from the University of North Texas.

"Part of the work that has become Contemplative Masonry first appeared on the internet in 2000 as an anonymously authored guide to the exploration of Freemasonry through contemplative practices like prayer, meditation, breath work, chanting, and visualization. Sixteen years later, the original author of that material, C.R. “Chuck” Dunning, Jr., has come forward with a substantially expanded edition for those seeking to utilize Masonic symbolism and teachings in a way that is practical, accessible, inspiring, and profoundly transformative. Contemplative Masonry is a much-needed resource for Masons seeking to undertake the challenging and rewarding work of deep self-knowledge and self-improvement. Brother Dunning provides Freemasons with a unique system of practices derived directly from the Degrees of Craft Masonry, without reliance upon other religious, spiritual, or esoteric traditions. He also shares the valuable wisdom and insights that come from decades of personal experience with contemplative practices."

I found Chuck Dunning’s Contemplative Masonry to be a much-needed guide to using Masonic degree lectures, symbols, and teachings in a classic, structured meditative practice designed to provide understanding of the knowledge presented in Masonic degrees and thereby further the growth and maturation process. If you have any esoteric leanings as a Mason, Dunning’s book is not only required reading, but should be put into daily practice. I was impressed not only with the book, but also with Dunning’s commitment to further Masonic education and deepen the experience and understanding of Masonry. I think you will be as well.

In the Chamber of Reflection, Rudolf and I continue the interview with Chuck Dunning. We delve more deeply into contemplative Masonry and Chuck shares some eminently practical advice.
I’d like to remind you that although you’re able to listen to this podcast at no charge, it costs time and money to create. We ask you to support our efforts and the creation of future podcasts by joining the membership section at https://chamberofreflection.com or subscribing via Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality. And if you’re already supporting the show or have done so in the past – my heartfelt thanks and I salute you!

https://chuckdunning.com/

https://www.amazon.com/Contemplative-Masonry-Applications-Mindfulness-Meditation/dp/1605320757/

https://academyofreflection.org/

https://www.phoenixmasonry.org/contemplative_masonry.htm

The intro music is “Awakening” by Paul Avgerinos and the outro music is “Build” by Ernesto Schnack.

Welcome to Occult of Personality: esoteric podcast extraordinaire at occultofpersonality.net. I’m your host, Greg Kaminsky.

This is episode 197 featuring an interview with Craig Williams discussing his most recent book, Cult of Golgotha.

Occult of Personality podcast is made possible by you, the listeners, and by the subscribers to https://chamberofreflection.com, our membership site.

Our guest tonight is Craig Williams, returning to the show to discuss his most recent book, Cult of Golgotha, available from Anathema Publishing Ltd.

"Cult of Golgotha presents a mysterious and strange glimpse into a creative occult current of revealed gnostic expression: the alchemical cross-pollination of Tantric Physics and Esoteric Voudon. Gnostic Bishop Craig Williams reveals a systematic vista of quantum exploration within the Womb of the Dark Goddess and Her web-like reach into the elemental world of gnostic Voudon.

"This text reveals the insidious Archonic Systems of Control which endangers the psyche and spirit of contemporary consciousness severing the individual from the chaotic and daemonic world of the Soul… This text expresses glimpses of a unique vision for escaping the Archonic forces impinging upon the mind-body of contemporary mankind and the vital role that the Awakened Dead play in the liberation of human consciousness from Ahrimaic manipulation."

Craig Williams has delivered another occult classic! Cult of Golgotha is one of the more unique expressions of high occult strangeness that I’ve ever read. Hearkening back to the works of Michael Bertiaux and Kenneth Grant, Williams takes his readers into the heart of magical development by demonstrating the creative vision required to journey to the liminal realms and bring forth transformative potential. From Tantra to Voudon to the heart of western esotericism, Cult of Golgotha stretches both the esoteric landscape and the mind of the reader by introducing systems of occult science designed to awaken and liberate the practitioner using a variety of methods. The text also emphasizes the mental shackles that bind us and prevent our freedom. These systems of control and the methods to escape them deserve much greater study and attention. Be sure to get your copy of this wonderful book from Anathema Publishing Ltd. before it sells out.

Practitioner of Ayurvedic medicine, Vedic sciences, gnostic spirituality, and martial arts, Craig Williams is also the author of Cave of The Numinous: Tantric Physics vol. I and Entering the Desert: Pilgrimage to the Hinterland of the Soul, as well as numerous articles on health, martial arts, and authentic initiation in the Kali Yuga.

The intro music is “Awakening” by Paul Avgerinos and the outro music is “Dark Secret” by VSTRS.

In the Chamber of Reflection, Craig Williams and I continue the interview delving deeply into discussions of tantra, magical yogic practices, systems of control, and much more! If you enjoyed the first half of this interview, be sure to listen to that exclusive recording at https://chamberofreflection.com.

I’d like to remind you that although you’re able to listen to this podcast at no charge, it costs time and money to create. We ask you to support our efforts and the creation of future podcasts by joining the membership section at https://chamberofreflection.com or subscribing via Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality. And if you’re already supporting the show or have done so in the past – my heartfelt thanks and I salute you!

Thanks for listening and until next time . . .

https://www.anathemapublishing.com/cult-of-golgotha

http://www.ayurvedaaustin.com/

http://occultofpersonality.net/eastern-thought-in-the-western-occult-world/

https://occultofpersonality.net/craig-williams/

https://occultofpersonality.net/voices-of-modern-gnosticism/

http://occultofpersonality.net/craig-williams-cave-of-the-numinous/

https://occultofpersonality.net/craig-williams-entering-the-desert/

Welcome to Occult of Personality: esoteric podcast extraordinaire at occultofpersonality.net. I’m your host, Greg Kaminsky.

This is episode 198 featuring an interview with Angel Millar discussing his recent projects including his YouTube channel, The Spiritual Survival at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCt1KUBeGisBawNuH3ksnIRQ.

Occult of Personality podcast is made possible by you, the listeners, and by the subscribers to https://chamberofreflection.com, our membership site.

Angel Millar is the author of The Crescent and the Compass: Islam, Freemasonry, Esotericism, and Revolution in the Modern Age (2015), Freemasonry: Foundation of the Western Esoteric Tradition (2014), and Freemasonry: A History (2005). His writing has also been published in The Journal of Indo-European Studies, Quest magazine, and Philalethes: The Journal of Masonic Research, among others. His brilliant YouTube channel, The Spiritual Survival, as well as much of his work, is focused on the intersection of spirituality and self-mastery. He regularly inspires his audiences to work on self-mastery and uses his own experience and practices as a guide. I consider him a good friend and he’s one of my favorite guests.

The intro music is “Awakening” by Paul Avgerinos (http://magnatune.com/artists/albums/avgerinos-gnosis?song=3) and the outro music is “Build” by Ernesto Schnack (http://magnatune.com/artists/albums/eschnack-wip?song=1).

In the Chamber of Reflection, Angel Millar shares his insights about Freemasonry and the value of discipline and building a strong foundation for esoteric work. We also discuss his work understanding initiation and co-editing and writing for the new collection The Art and Science of Initiation, published by Lewis Masonic - https://www.lewismasonic.co.uk/esoteric/the-art-and-science-of-initiation.htm. We also discuss the proliferation of Freemasons focusing on the esoteric and the wide array of Masonic Cons cropping up around the United States. If you enjoyed the first half of this interview, be sure to listen to that exclusive recording at https://chamberofreflection.com.

I’d like to remind you that although you’re able to listen to this podcast at no charge, it costs time and money to create. We ask you to support our efforts and the creation of future podcasts by joining the membership section at https://chamberofreflection.com or subscribing via Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality. And if you’re already supporting the show or have done so in the past – my heartfelt thanks and I salute you!

Thanks for listening and until next time . . .

https://angelmillar.com/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCt1KUBeGisBawNuH3ksnIRQ

https://www.lewismasonic.co.uk/esoteric/the-art-and-science-of-initiation.htm

What is Counter Initiation? https://www.lewismasonic.co.uk/blog/what-is-counter-initiation.htm

Welcome to Occult of Personality: esoteric podcast extraordinaire. I’m your host, Greg Kaminsky.

This is episode 199 featuring an interview with Jedediah French, co-editor of The Art and Science of Initiation, recently published by Lewis Masonic. https://www.lewismasonic.co.uk/esoteric/the-art-and-science-of-initiation.htm

Occult of Personality podcast is made possible by you, the listeners, and by the subscribers to https://chamberofreflection.com, our membership site.

Bro. Jedediah French is a founding member of Templum Rosae Lodge, No. 863 in Oakland, California. His articles have been published in Masonic books and periodicals, including Philalethes: The Journal of Masonic Research and Letters, The Plumbline, and The Square. He won the Award of Literature for 2016 for his article in Philalethes. He blogs occasionally at “Esoteric Freemasonry and the Western Mystery Tradition.”

I really love The Art and Science of Initiation. Jedediah French and Angel Millar have done a brilliant job putting it together. I highly recommend it. I also had a great time interviewing Jedediah, having known him for some time and following his work over the years. It’s been wonderful to watch him grow and it’s my pleasure to bring you this interview with him where we discuss his work on this essential new book.

In the Chamber of Reflection, Jedediah French and I begin the second half of the interview by discussing his research into the Asiatic Brethren, Sabbatean Frankism, Lurianic Kabbalah, and high-degree European Freemasonry. Apparently, the Asiatic Brethren was largely responsible for the re-introduction of Kabbalism into western esotericism via ritual degree lectures and possibly angelic workings, a notable and important link between antinomian Jewish and Christian fraternal esotericism. Next, we delve into the potential differences between ancient and modern initiations to determine what might be the factors to increase the likelihood that initiations be the reality-shattering events that they have the potential to be. Listen to that exclusive recording at https://chamberofreflection.com.

I’d like to remind you that although you’re able to listen to this podcast at no charge, it costs time and money to create. We ask you to support our efforts and the creation of future podcasts by joining the membership section at https://chamberofreflection.com or subscribing via Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality. And if you’re already supporting the show or have done so in the past – my heartfelt thanks and I salute you!

Thanks for listening and until next time . . .

https://www.lewismasonic.co.uk/esoteric/the-art-and-science-of-initiation.htm

https://skfrench.wordpress.com/

The intro music is “Awakening” by Paul Avgerinos (http://magnatune.com/artists/albums/avgerinos-gnosis?song=3) and the outro music is “The Initiation” by Adam Fielding (http://magnatune.com/artists/albums/fielding-lightfields?song=1).

Welcome to Occult of Personality: esoteric podcast extraordinaire. I’m your host, Greg Kaminsky and your co-host is Rudolf Berger.

This is episode number 201, featuring an interview with Peter Mark Adams who returns to the show to discuss his recent book, Mystai: Dancing Out the Mysteries of Dionysos, published by Scarlet Imprint.

Occult of Personality podcast is made possible by you, the listeners, and by the subscribers to https://chamberofreflection.com, our membership site.

Before we get to the show intro, I need to say a few words about our current circumstances. Probably like you, I’m now isolating in a sort of lockdown situation to prevent the spread of the COVID19 virus. I pray that you all stay well and are not too stressed by what is happening. The main point that I want to convey is that this situation, while unusual to us, doesn’t change the fundamental reality in which we exist. Our futures are always uncertain. We never know when the end may arrive. In fact, we all suffer from a fatal condition called beingness. As initiates, occultists, mystics, Freemasons, illuminists, and magicians, we are taught to meditate upon death and impermanence as a most effective way to transform from being self-concerned to caring about the world and others. We must hold this in our minds and always remember that a contagious disease spreading through our communities does not change the fact that we must do the right thing even though it requires courage to do so. Please be brave and know that you can put your spiritual practice to the test in these days. We have the capacity to control our reactions and decisions. Use that ability with wisdom and help those around you who need it. I encourage you to be tender-hearted and compassionate even more so than before. Spread that instead of fear. We must be the light and not just talk about it.

So, in that spirit, beginning this week, I’ll be posting older content from the Chamber of Reflection archive publicly at no charge. I’ll offer a free recording each day of an older interview, presentation, or meditation. Links to this free content will be posted on the Occult of Personality Facebook page and our Twitter starting on Friday, March 27th. During this time when we’re adapting to new circumstances in various ways, the least I can do is offer you some additional content to fill your days with even more magick and mystery.

Now, in episode #201, Peter Mark Adams returns to the show to discuss his wonderful book, Mystai. You can find Peter Mark Adams online at https://petermarkadams.com/. Peter appeared on the show previously to talk about his book, The Game of Saturn (https://occultofpersonality.net/peter-mark-adams/).

“Peter Mark Adams is an author, esotericist, tarotist and professional energy worker; he has been engaged in practical research in the fields of esotericism, energy, consciousness and healing for over 45 years. Peter and his wife run a professional practice dedicated to energy-based healing. Previous publications include Altered States / Parallel Worlds, The Tarot de Marseille Chapbook, The Healing Field: Energy: Consciousness and Transformation; and contributions on ritual, demonic possession and interventions of the deceased in the healing process in the peer reviewed academic journals Paranthropology: Journal of Anthropological Approaches to the Paranormal and the Journal of Exceptional Experiences and Psychology. Peter has acted as an advisor to a television documentary on the paranormal and been a speaker at international academic seminars on healing and consciousness. Peter is an associate member of the European Society for the Study of Western Esotericism (ESSWE).”

“The Dionysian themed frescos of Pompeii’s Villa of the Mysteries constitute the single most important theurgical narrative to have survived in the Western esoteric tradition. No other practitioner account of the ritual process for conducting a mystery rite has survived down to today. The frescoes’ vivid and allusive imagery illuminates both the ritual activity of the participants as well as its esoteric import.

“The frescoes, created in the most private rooms of the extensive Roman villa, were never meant to be seen by anyone other than the members of the all-female Bakkhic thiasos who conducted their most secret rites within them. Buried and preserved for posterity by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 CE, these stunning Proto-Renaissance images guide the viewer through the consecutive stages of a theurgic rite of initiation into the mysteries of Dionysos.

“Arising from within the unique interface between Greek and Roman culture in Southern Italy, the frescoes attest to the survival of an unbroken initiatic tradition of Bakkhic mystery rites on the Italian peninsula stretching back to the fifth century BCE.

“The recent restoration of the frescoes has provided a fresh opportunity to elucidate the ritual processes hidden in plain sight. Taking an interdisciplinary approach, Peter Mark Adams draws on current scholarship on dithyrambic performance; the ritual dress of Greco-Roman priestesses; classical philology and the comparative ethnography of rites of higher initiation. With the same attention to detail which he demonstrated in The Game of Saturn, Adams reveals the stages of initiation encoded and accomplished in dance, gesture, ordeal, and sign.

“Adams interprets the frescoes through the distinct performative lens of the ritualist, throwing light, for the first time, on the significance of the ritual vocabulary and the phenomenology of ritual participation. We are pulled into the dance ourselves and emerge transfigured by the experience.”

I once again find myself very impressed by the work of Peter Mark Adams. In Mystai, Adams has revealed sacred imagery and its function within a long-dead lineage of the Mysteries. His skill in explaining the frescoes, their meanings, and purpose within the ritual context helps us understand this mystical system lost to the mists of time. In the interview, Adams explains how this cult functioned by ritually honoring the deity with a form of devotion that caused a mystical union.

Peter Mark Adams has quickly become one of my favorite authors in this genre. His work is groundbreaking, and I always learn new things. Not to mention the book itself is gorgeous and because of the design, materials, colors, and contents, it felt like an indulgent luxury to sit and read it. I highly recommend Mystai!

The intro music is “Awakening” by Paul Avgerinos (http://magnatune.com/artists/albums/avgerinos-gnosis?song=3) and the outro music is “Calliopeia – kithara (Ancient Greek)” by Tim Rayborn (http://magnatune.com/artists/albums/rayborn-qadim?song=6)

In the Chamber of Reflection, Peter Mark Adams, Rudolf, and I continue this wonderful interview. Listen to that exclusive recording at https://chamberofreflection.com or at our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality.

Again, beginning this week, I’ll be posting older content from the Chamber of Reflection archive publicly at no charge. During this time when we’re all struggling with time and money in various ways, the least I can do is offer you some additional content to fill your days with magick and mystery.

I’d like to remind you that although you’re able to listen to this podcast at no charge, it costs time and money to create. We ask you to support our efforts and the creation of future podcasts by joining the membership section at https://chamberofreflection.com or subscribing via Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality. And if you’re already supporting the show or have done so in the past – my heartfelt thanks and I salute you!

Thanks for listening and until next time . . .

https://scarletimprint.com/publications/mystai

https://petermarkadams.com/

https://occultofpersonality.net/peter-mark-adams/

Welcome to Occult of Personality: esoteric podcast extraordinaire. I’m your host, Greg Kaminsky.

This is episode number 202, featuring an outstanding interview with Michael Martin about the revised version of The Chymical Wedding of Christian Rosenkreutz and much more!

Occult of Personality podcast is made possible by you, the listeners, and by the subscribers to https://chamberofreflection.com, our membership site. This episode is also sponsored by several listeners who made generous donations to aid us and the cause of informed, authentic, and accessible interviews about western esotericism. Thank you again Martin, Andrew, David, and Judith! Because of your donations and the support of the subscribers to the Chamber of Reflection, we’re able to bring you interviews of this caliber and more to come.

Now, in episode #202, Michael Martin joins us to discuss this recent version of The Chymical Wedding of Christian Rosenkreutz which features two of his essays that recontextualize and add a much greater depth of meaning to the story. To put it briefly, my interpretation of Martin’s assertion is that the actual intention of the text was to allow readers to see through the attachments to pride, recognition, and knowledge, whether esoteric or mundane and gather themselves around a simpler spirituality that endeavors to see and understand the vast mystery of reality beyond any classification or even languaging.

“The story is full of jokes, puzzles, satires, and red herrings—mostly at the expense of academic pride and the pretentions of occultists. Adding to the humor of The Chymical Wedding, most of the commentary written over the last five hundred years in hopes of probing its secrets has been of exactly the sort Andreae was pranking in the first place—which is why he described the book’s reception as “a game which was evaluated and foolishly explicated with subtle ingenuity and which proves the stupidity of the curios.” Indeed, some people don’t know a good joke when it’s played on them.

“It is my contention that the playful construction of The Chymical Wedding is evidence of Andreae’s intention to apply physic to the soul of the reader. The text, that is, serves as what Stanley Fish (one of the great readers of seventeenth-century literature before he turned to law and the life of a public intellectual) has called “a self-consuming artifact,” which, as he further explains, “signifies most successfully when it fails, when it points away from itself to something its forms cannot capture. If this is not anti-art, it is surely anti-art-for-art’s sake because it is concerned less with the making of better poems than with the making of better persons.” As a self-consuming artifact, The Chymical Wedding—reveling in the high comedy of intellectual hubris, revealing its own “mysteries” despite its occult paraphernalia, and ever again reminding the reader to not rely on learning or the discovery of the secrets of nature as surrogates for salvation—tries to enact a transformation on the soul of the reader by destabilizing the reader’s preconceptions of what a “chemical wedding” is—or, for that matter, what a “Rosicrucian” is. The Chymical Wedding succeeds when it fails (the sham “lost ending” certainly supports this supposition) because if it had succeeded as an occult text it would have surely failed as physic for the soul. Herein lies the brilliance of Andreae’s ludibrium. That so many have missed what is so obvious only proves his point the more.” – Michael Martin, Introduction: “So unlooked for an adventure,” The Chymical Wedding of Christian Rosenkreutz, The Ezekiel Foxcroft Translation, revised, and with two new essays by Michael Martin, 2019

I think Martin’s work here is crucial and I am really thrilled to be able to talk to him about it and share that conversation with you! Although I wish I’d encountered Martin years ago when I first became interested in Rosicrucianism, but it seems fitting that it has taken until now. I would dare to say that his analysis is worth your time and consideration. It may even bring about new insights and different ways of appreciating western magick and esotericism. Related to Rosicrucianism, Michael also talks about Sophiology, a radical way of seeing and feeling the world as the deepest mystery of reality. A form of western nonduality if you will. Our conversation here only touches the tip of the iceberg of scholarship and mysticism that lay beneath…

Michael Martin, Ph.D. is a philosopher, poet, musician, songwriter, editor, and biodynamic farmer. He spent sixteen years as a Waldorf teacher and Master Teacher and taught at the university and college level for over seventeen years. He began biodynamic farming in 1990 and currently raises dairy goats, bees, and other animals while managing a market garden with his wife and some of his nine children. His poetry and scholarship have appeared in many journals and he is the editor of Jesus the Imagination: A Journal of Spiritual Revolution.

The intro music is “Awakening” by Paul Avgerinos (http://magnatune.com/artists/albums/avgerinos-gnosis?song=3) and the outro music is “Wild Rose” by Barry Sulkin (https://magnatune.com/artists/albums/barrysulkin-isleofelba?song=11)

In the Chamber of Reflection, author Allen Blackwell joins me to discuss his magical book of short stories, 26 Gates! Listen to that exclusive recording at https://chamberofreflection.com or at our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality.

I’d like to remind you that although you’re able to listen to this podcast at no charge, it costs time and money to create. We ask you to support our efforts and the creation of future podcasts by joining the membership section at https://chamberofreflection.com or subscribing via Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality. And if you’re already supporting the show or have done so in the past – my heartfelt thanks and I salute you!

Thanks for listening and until next time . . .

https://www.thecenterforsophiologicalstudies.com/

https://www.amazon.com/Chymical-Wedding-Christian-Rosenkreutz-translation/dp/1621384772

https://www.thecenterforsophiologicalstudies.com/post/the-rose-and-the-cross-or-how-to-be-a-rosicrucian

https://www.amazon.com/Submerged-Reality-Sophiology-Poetic-Metaphysics/dp/1621381137

https://www.amazon.com/Michael-Martin/e/B00KHCTX04/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1

Welcome to Occult of Personality: esoteric podcast extraordinaire. I’m your host, Greg Kaminsky. This is episode number 203 featuring an interview with documentary filmmaker, essayist, speaker, podcaster, and more—Niles Heckman!

Occult of Personality podcast is made possible by you, the listeners, and by the subscribers to https://chamberofreflection.com, our membership site who aid us and the cause of informed, authentic, and accessible interviews about western esotericism. Thank you! Because of your support, we’re able to bring you recordings of this caliber and many more to come.

Now, in episode #203, Niles Heckman joins us to discuss his path and his work in a most interesting conversation!

Niles is a documentary photographer and filmmaker, essayist and speaker whose work focuses on themes of ageless wisdom for our modern times. Sharing insights in his films, spoken-word essays, podcast An Infinite Path, alternate media appearances, street photography blog Philosophical Photography, and in mentorship with others.

He is the director of the feature film Transmutation, the documentary series Shamans of the Global Village, the short Balanced Opposites, and a collection of short-form documentary narrations. Please see his website at https://nilesheckman.com, where you can also find his podcast, An Infinite Path.

I really enjoyed speaking with Niles again. The first time was when we spoke for his podcast for episode 091, entitled, “Some of the Most Amazing Teachings to Date,” https://www.nilesheckman.com/podcast/2019/11/3/ep091-greg-kaminsky. I have to say that has been probably the most in-depth interview I’ve done recently exploring my own path and recent revelations. I tried to do the same for Niles in this interview and learned quite a bit, including that his desire is to inspire and empower by pairing media with ageless wisdom to benefit others.

I respect Niles because he’s an authentic seeker who’s willing to dive in and do the work required to learn and grow. And I appreciate the way that he connects with others and shares his explorations with the world. You may as well. If so, you can support his work at https://www.nilesheckman.com/membership.

The intro music is “Awakening” by Paul Avgerinos (http://magnatune.com/artists/albums/avgerinos-gnosis?song=3) and the outro music is “Into the Infinite” by Logic Gate (http://download.magnatune.com/artists/albums/logicgate-voyages?song=1).

In the Chamber of Reflection, if you haven’t already, please check out the recent recording about how to “Get Your Spiritual Practice Lit” in 15 steps. These are ways that I’ve learned to deepen your understanding of your spiritual path and practice, and if followed with sincerity, will change your life. Also, I’m preparing another exclusive recording for members on the practice of virtue and its benefits that will be ready within a few days of the release of this podcast. Listen to those exclusive recordings at https://chamberofreflection.com or at our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality.

I’d like to remind you that although you’re able to listen to this podcast at no charge, it costs time and money to create. We ask you to support our efforts and the creation of future podcasts by joining the membership section at https://chamberofreflection.com or subscribing via Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality. And if you’re already supporting the show or have done so in the past – my heartfelt thanks and I salute you!

Thanks for listening and until next time . . .

Welcome to Occult of Personality: esoteric podcast extraordinaire. I’m your host, Greg Kaminsky.

This is episode number 204 featuring an interview with scholar and initiate Stewart Clelland who is joining us to speak about the recently published THE GREEN BOOK OF THE ÉLUS COËN (The COMPLETE Manuscrit d’Alger 1772): A TREASURY OF COËN TEXTS IN TWO VOLUMES.

Occult of Personality podcast is made possible by you, the listeners, and by the subscribers to https://chamberofreflection.com, our membership site who aid us and the cause of informed, authentic, and accessible interviews about western esotericism. Thank you! Because of your support, we’re able to bring you recordings of this caliber and many more to come.

Now, in episode #204, Stewart Clelland joins us to talk about the Élus Coëns, his work translating their texts, and more! You can find Stewart online at https://sjaclelland.com/.

As a teacher of Philosophy and Religious Studies in and around the North East of Scotland, Stewart holds a Master’s Degree (M.A.) in Western Esotericism (University of Exeter) and a PGDE in Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies (The University of Aberdeen), as well as a B.A. (Hons) in Fine Art and Philosophy (University of Dundee).

His research background is centered on esoteric spirituality and the practice of heterodox religious traditions with a particular interest in marginalized and persecuted religious communities, both historical and contemporary. Stewart’s work engages with Religious Studies specifically in the so-called ‘Western Esoteric Tradition’ or Hermetic Tradition in religious and philosophical thought.

‘THE GREEN BOOK OF THE ÉLUS COËN (The COMPLETE Manuscrit d’Alger 1772): A TREASURY OF COËN TEXTS IN TWO VOLUMES. This book is an English translation of an obscure and previously unpublished French eighteenth-century masonic manuscript (1770) known as Le Manuscript d’Alger or, ‘The Green Book of the Elu Coen’. Detailing the inner workings and highest degrees of an occult esoteric order known as the Elus Coën, this fascinating manuscript has been lost for more than two hundred and fifty years and has only recently come to light. The information contained here is a must for anyone with a serious passion for masonic history. It was translated by Stewart Clelland, edited by Josef Wages, and designed Steve Adams.

As the High-Degrees of Freemasonry swept across the landscape of eighteenth-century Europe, an obscure and occult order started to develop known as l’Ordre des Chevaliers Élus Coëns de l’ Univers or the Order of Knight-Mason Elect-Cohens of the Universe, more commonly referred to as the Élus Coëns. Whilst once the most serious and illustrious of the eighteenth-century esoteric masonic societies, much of the Order’s authentic original materials have been lost or forgotten for centuries. This English translation of the rediscovered eighteenth-century Coën manuscript . . . was written by Léonard-Joseph Prunelle de Lière (1741- 1824), a close friend of Louis Claude de St Martin (1743-1803), and includes a copy of Pasqually’s list entitled ‘Alphabetical Table of 2,400 Names’ . . . Understood as a kind of directory of the celestial world, angels and spirits are alphabetically classified and each associated with two numbers. It is followed by a document of eighty-seven pages covered with hieroglyphic symbols from a variety of sources; Hebrew, Arabic, Egyptian and Phoenician. It is important to note that these luminous glyphs were not the actual goal of the operations. Pasqually saw in these glyphs signs that indicated to the theurgist that his reconciliation was in progress; the luminous glyphs are believed to be the marks of divine favor on the road to ‘reintegration.’

Also included from the ‘Fonds Prunelle de Lières’ is the strange ‘Book of Initiates’. A collection of 117 pages containing the messages delivered by an ‘Unknown Agent’ between 1785 and 1787 and excerpts from the magnetism sessions held in Lyon by Jean-Baptiste Willermoz. Additionally, and also a better-known element of this collection is the included manuscript of Les Nombres, a posthumous work by Louis-Claude de Saint-Martin. The copy included here is believed to have been copied directly from an original manuscript of the Unknown Philosopher.

Detailing the inner workings and highest degrees of the Order, this fascinating manuscript enlightens the reader in the true, very visceral nature of the Order. Requiring the utmost commitment, and a decidedly monastic lifestyle, the Order prescribed everything from hairstyle to diet. Far from the everyday festivities of mainstream Freemasonry, the Élus Coëns were spiritual warriors engaged in magical combat with angelic and demonic entities. These original rites of the Élus Coëns, instruct the initiate how to enter into relations with angelic spirits, which are sympathetic to Man’s fallen state, and who aid him upon the path to reintegration with the Divine.

After the death of the order’s founder, Martinez de Pasqually in 1774, the teachings of the Elu Coën were most certainly doomed to fade into the mists of history – this new volume sheds the most illuminating light yet on this fascinatingly hidden masonic history.

It was delightful speaking with Stewart about these texts and his work more generally. In particular, I found it quite notable how the Élus Coëns were attempting to bring about a literal end of the world through their spiritual practice. While I certainly don’t share their view, it is remarkably interesting to learn about what could accurately be described as a radical doomsday cult. These primary source texts are crucial to the scholarship and historical understanding. The quality of the translation, editing, and overall design is most impressive, and I commend the work of this team in producing a majestic set of books.

The intro music is “Awakening” by Paul Avgerinos (http://magnatune.com/artists/albums/avgerinos-gnosis?song=3) and the outro music is “Where the Green Meets the Blue” by Mountain Mirrors (http://magnatune.com/artists/albums/mountain-lunar?song=5)

In the Chamber of Reflection, Stewart and I continue the interview about his work on the Elu Coen texts and his work which integrates academic research and teaching with his intense interest in Western esotericism. Join us for that excellent second half of the conversation! And if you haven’t already, please check out the recent recording, “On Virtue and the Practice of Virtue." This is an exposition on virtue as the enactment of love and compassion through spiritual practice. Listen to those exclusive recordings at https://chamberofreflection.com or our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality. Finally, we have a very brief survey for all the members of the Chamber of Reflection that will be linked on the website and in our Facebook group.

I’d like to remind you that although you’re able to listen to this podcast at no charge, it costs time and money to create. We ask you to support our efforts and the creation of future podcasts by joining the membership section at https://chamberofreflection.com or subscribing via Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality. And if you’re already supporting the show or have done so in the past – my heartfelt thanks and I salute you!

Thanks for listening and until next time . . .

Welcome to Occult of Personality: esoteric podcast extraordinaire. I’m your host, Greg Kaminsky.

This is episode number 205 featuring an interview with alchemist Phoenix Aurelius.

Occult of Personality podcast is made possible by you, the listeners, and by the subscribers to https://chamberofreflection.com, our membership site who aid us in the cause of informed, authentic, and accessible interviews about western esotericism. Thank you! Because of your support, we’re able to bring you recordings of this caliber and many more to come.

Now, in episode #205, an interview with alchemist Phoenix Aurelius. You can find Phoenix online at https://www.phoenixaurelius.org/.

Phoenix Aurelius has been practicing alchemy since he was 16 years old. He is accomplished in laboratory alchemy and the study of the alchemical tradition, creating medicines, treating clients, and teaching the royal art. Phoenix is also devoted to organic and biodynamic agriculture, which informs his alchemical practice. His mission is to, “…help integrate alchemy into the social fabric of our culture to inspire transformation and conscious evolution of both ecology and humanity.”

It was wonderful to speak with Phoenix after following his work for so many years. I was especially intrigued by his challenge to the generally accepted Hermetic correspondences based on his own research. I think this is a profoundly important subject and hope his openly discussing it here allows for greater examination of the presuppositions in Western esoteric practice. It was also quite fascinating to hear about Phoenix’s work using intrinsic data field analysis. The accuracy of the process that he describes is quite surprising and is definitely cause for further investigation. I support the work of Phoenix Aurelius by purchasing his products and services. You can do the same and help support Occult of Personality podcast at the same time when you go to https://www.phoenixaurelius.org/?ref=occultofpersonality, or just click Phoenix’s logo on the side of the Occult of Personality website, and then make a purchase.

The intro music is “Awakening” by Paul Avgerinos (http://magnatune.com/artists/albums/avgerinos-gnosis?song=3) and the outro music is “The Alchemical Tree” by William Zeitler

So, as you probably could tell, we had some connection issues towards the end of this part of the interview. But rest assured we reestablished the connection and successfully completed the second half of this fascinating and revelatory conversation, which you can find in the Chamber of Reflection. Listen to that exclusive recording at https://chamberofreflection.com or at our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality.

I’d like to remind you that although you’re able to listen to this podcast at no charge, it costs time and money to create. We ask you to support our efforts and the creation of future podcasts by joining the membership section at https://chamberofreflection.com or subscribing via Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality. And if you’re already supporting the show or have done so in the past – my heartfelt thanks and I salute you!

Thanks for listening and until next time . . .

https://www.phoenixaurelius.org/

Welcome to Occult of Personality: esoteric podcast extraordinaire. I’m your host, Greg Kaminsky. In episode number 206, I’m absolutely thrilled to bring you an interview with Freemason, occultist, and author Jaime Paul Lamb. But first, I want to take a moment to wish all of you a Blessed Winter Solstice, Joyous Yule, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and a Happy New Year! May the Light Also Be Born Again in Your Own Hearts!

Occult of Personality podcast is made possible by you, the listeners, and by the subscribers to https://chamberofreflection.com, our membership site who aid us in the cause of informed, authentic, and accessible interviews about western esotericism. Thank you! Because of your support, we’re able to bring you recordings of this caliber and many more to come.

I want to take a moment to announce that my own book, tentatively titled Celestial Intelligences—Angelology, Cabala, and Gnosis: Giovanni Pico della Mirandola’s Quest for the Perennial Philosophy by Greg Kaminsky, and typeset and illustrated by Joseph Uccello, is scheduled for release by Anathema Publishing Ltd. in 2021. I am very excited to be working with Gabriel and Anathema Publishing along with my friend, the talented artist Joseph Uccello to publish my extensive research into Pico’s syncretic mysticism. More to come on this book in 2021!

Now, a word about another one of our sponsors. I support the work of Phoenix Aurelius by purchasing his alchemical products and services. You can do the same and help support Occult of Personality podcast at the same time when you go to https://www.phoenixaurelius.org/?ref=occultofpersonality, or just click Phoenix’s logo on the side of the Occult of Personality website, and then make a purchase.

Now, in episode 206, an interview with Freemason and author Jaime Paul Lamb about his most recent book, Approaching the Middle Chamber: The Seven Liberal Arts in Freemasonry and the Western Esoteric Tradition. You can find Jaime Paul Lamb online at https://www.jaimepaullamb.com/.

"In the culmination of the second section of the Fellowcraft degree, prior to entering the symbolic “middle chamber” of King Solomon's Temple, the craftsman must ascend a flight of winding stairs, where important lessons are bestowed upon the craftsman for future reflection and study. Unfortunately, few craftsman have undertaken the study of the Seven Liberal Arts and Sciences, perhaps due to the fact that prior to this book by Brother Lamb, few books have taken an in-depth look at the Seven Liberal Arts and Sciences. This is a well-written, well-researched, and very approachable book that explores how the Seven Liberal Arts and Sciences relate to Freemasonry, as well as other esoteric traditions. This book is an instant classic, and a must read for anyone who has tread upon the flight of winding stairs to the middle chamber.

"In his latest offering, Freemason and occultist Jaime Paul Lamb minutely analyzes the wealth of hidden knowledge and symbolism contained in the lecture of the Masonic Fellow Craft degree, colloquially referred to as the “Middle Chamber Lecture.” Lamb provides a detailed historical context for each subject, while simultaneously offering hundreds of unprecedented observations from the perspective of the Western Esoteric Tradition. The dizzying scope of this almost impenetrable component of Masonic ritual is deftly handled by Lamb, as he sequentially tackles subjects such as the operative and speculative dynamic in Masonry and its correlative in the Hermetic Arts, the qabalistic significance of the Brazen Pillars, the mythological symbolism underlying the ancient orders of architecture, the occult application of the five human senses and, finally, the esoteric substrata of the seven liberal arts and sciences.

"From Jaime Paul Lamb: I’m excited to announce the release of Approaching the Middle Chamber: The Seven Liberal Arts in Freemasonry and the Western Esoteric Tradition. It is 138,000 words, 452 pages and is copiously illustrated. If you have ever experienced the Fellow Craft degree (or if you are a non-Mason interested in the Seven Liberal Arts and/or Western Esotericism), you are going to find a lot to like in this book. I believe it fills a major vacancy in Masonic and occult literature. Huge thanks (again!) to The Laudable Pursuit for doing an amazing job editing, laying out and formatting this quality paperback edition—the book is absolutely gorgeous.

"Jaime Paul Lamb, who also authored the previously well-received Myth, Magick & Masonry: Occult Perspectives in Freemasonry (The Laudable Pursuit, 2018), was raised at St. Johns Lodge No. 6, F.&A.M., chartered in 1765 at Norwalk, CT. He is currently the lodge organist at Ascension Lodge No. 89, F.&A.M., Phoenix, AZ. Lamb is past master of Arizona Research Lodge No. 1, Phoenix, AZ and is a member AASR NMJ (Valley of Bridgeport) & SJ (Valley of Pasadena) and Phoenix York Rite Bodies. He is also involved in the Arizona College SRICF. Lamb’s main avenues of research include: Hermetic Qabalah, Rosicrucianism, Alchemy (spagyric or vegetable kingdom, primarily), Mystery Cults, Renaissance Astrology, Tarot Symbolism, Comparative Mythology, Comparative Religion, Esoteric Psychology and Ceremonial Magick."

I really loved Jaime Paul Lamb’s recent book Approaching the Middle Chamber. For me, this was the ideal book that I’ve been seeking since before I even considered submitting an application to my local lodge. The first 20 or so minutes of the interview is me praising Lamb’s work to the moon and back, so you know that this book is worth your time, whether you’re a Freemason or not. Anyone interested in the symbolism, study, and practice of any aspect of Western esotericism will appreciate this fine volume. I was impressed by Lamb’s penetrating insights and extensive sourcing. I highly recommend Approaching the Middle Chamber. If you enjoy listening to this show—get this book right away—you’ll be glad you did.

The intro music is “Awakening” by Paul Avgerinos (http://magnatune.com/artists/albums/avgerinos-gnosis?song=3) and the outro music is “In the Middle” by Beight (http://magnatune.com/artists/albums/beight-rhythm?song=10).

In the Chamber of Reflection, Jaime Paul Lamb and I continue the conversation. We delve into his insights regarding the number 15 and the magic square of Saturn. We talk about our impressions of the founders of Freemasonry based on what we can read and observe. Lamb discusses the wages he’s been paid in terms of penetrating the hidden recesses of nature to plumb the depths of her secrets. Then we go even deeper into the implications of his work and where it leads. Listen to that exclusive recording at https://chamberofreflection.com or at our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality.

I’d like to remind you that although you’re able to listen to this podcast at no charge, it costs time and money to create. We ask you to support our efforts and the creation of future podcasts by joining the membership section at https://chamberofreflection.com or subscribing via Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality. And if you’re already supporting the show or have done so in the past – my heartfelt thanks and I salute you!

Thanks for listening and until next time . . .

http://www.thelaudablepursuit.com/store/approaching-the-middle-chamber-the-seven-liberal-arts-in-freemasonry-and-the-western-esoteric-tradition

https://www.jaimepaullamb.com/

Welcome to Occult of Personality: esoteric podcast extraordinaire. I’m your host, Greg Kaminsky.

In episode number 207, our friend Derek Hunter returns to the show to discuss his recent book, The End of the World: A Love Chaos Grimoire for the Survival and Evolution of Human Beings.

Occult of Personality podcast is made possible by you, the listeners, and by the subscribers to https://chamberofreflection.com, our membership site who aid us in the cause of informed, authentic, and accessible interviews about western esotericism. Thank you! Because of your support, we’re able to bring you recordings of this caliber and many more to come.

I want to take a moment to announce the publication of my first book! It’s entitled PRONAOS: Reflections on the Preliminary Practices of Buddhist Tantra from a Western Perspective. If you're interested in esoteric spirituality and the pursuit of gnosis, seeking effective and practicable methods that produce transformation and even have the potential to bring the practitioner to self-realization, then this book is for you. Designed to provide readers with a perspective on the view and methods of the preliminary practices of Buddhist Tantra (Vajrayana) in a way that is accessible and applicable to modern Westerners, using examples and quotations from familiar philosophical and esoteric traditions. Because human beings are essentially similar, this path can be effective and has proven to be so for women and men across centuries, continents, and cultures. The highest spiritual realization is available to all of us regardless of who we are, where or when we live, or any other circumstance provided we receive the teachings and practice the methods. This book is a first step towards that. Available at https://www.amazon.com/PRONAOS-Reflections-Preliminary-Practices-Perspective/dp/B08WZHBQDF/.

Now, in episode #207, an interview with Derek Hunter about his recent book, The End of the World: A Love Chaos Grimoire for the Survival and Evolution of Human Beings. You can find Derek online at https://www.love-chaos.com/ and you may recall that Derek last joined us previously in 2018 (https://occultofpersonality.net/3-in-1/).

“The end of the world as we know it may indeed be upon us. The window of opportunity for human beings to survive this century is getting smaller with each passing year, each passing decade. While there are many books out there for ways to increase our chances of survival by combating climate change and other possible causes for the demise of humanity, this book offers an unusual approach: to use Magick as a means of survival and also evolution. This book is a call to action for all practitioners of Magick, to utilize whatever practice that you currently utilize for the purpose of the survival and evolution of human beings. It offers one example made by the author, but it in no way suggests this is the only way. The book is meant to encourage, not dictate. Readers are welcome to take what they find within these pages for their own use, and for those unfamiliar with occult practices, they too can participate as well. All are welcome. Magick works, as any practitioner will tell you. Typically, modern magick details what to do for individual benefits. This book and the 6-day ritual Hunter undertook from March 6th to March 11th, 2020, is not about individual success, it is about how we can use magick to benefit us all, as a species.”

I really like the intention behind Derek’s work and this book and appreciate the desire to benefit humanity by esoteric means. I also feel that this is one of the more positive reactions to the events of the past year that I’ve seen. This interview was quite enjoyable as Derek is a kind, thoughtful, and good man who has overcome adversity and works to help others. All of that comes through his words and deeds as you’ll hear in this interview. I recommend Derek and his work. His approach to spirituality is genuinely from the heart and that is a great quality.

“Derek Hunter is a writer of fiction and non-fiction, the founder of Love Chaos, a non-dogmatic, agnostic philosophy and way of life. Hunter created Love Chaos in 2014 with the publication of the first book, Love Chaos. It was conceived as a means for Hunter to help himself in a dark time in his life, and also to help others.”

The intro music is “Awakening” by Paul Avgerinos (http://magnatune.com/artists/albums/avgerinos-gnosis?song=3) and the outro music is “Evolution” by MRDC (https://www.magnatune.com/artists/albums/mrdc-timecode?song=4).

In the second half of this interview in the Chamber of Reflection, Derek Hunter goes into depth about the specifics of his magical work and the deities involved. It’s great to get this level of insight into a private magical working that was designed to have vast effects. Thanks to Derek for sharing with us. Listen to that exclusive recording at https://chamberofreflection.com or at our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality.

I’d like to remind you that although you’re able to listen to this podcast at no charge, it costs time and money to create. We ask you to support our efforts and the creation of future podcasts by joining the membership section at https://chamberofreflection.com or subscribing via Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality. And if you’re already supporting the show or have done so in the past – my heartfelt thanks and I salute you!

Thanks for listening and until next time . . .

https://www.love-chaos.com/

https://www.amazon.com/End-World-Grimoire-Survival-Evolution/dp/B08C9CZ1GW

Welcome to Occult of Personality: esoteric podcast extraordinaire. I’m your host, Greg Kaminsky.

In episode number 208, our friends Guido Mina di Sospiro and Joscelyn Godwin return to the show to discuss their recent book, Forbidden Fruits: An Occult Novel.

I want to take a moment to explain why it’s been more than two months since the last episode. You see, my father had been ill, and he recently passed. I needed some time to be with family and so that’s what I did. But now it’s time to turn back to the task at hand, illuminating podcast interviews about the esoteric. I need you to know that I very much appreciate your patience and understanding while I’ve been away.

Occult of Personality podcast is made possible by you, the listeners, and by the subscribers to https://chamberofreflection.com, our membership site who aid us in the cause of informed, authentic, and accessible interviews about western esotericism. Thank you again! Because of your support, we’re able to bring you recordings of this caliber and many more to come.

Now, in episode #208, an interview with Guido Mina di Sospiro and Joscelyn Godwin about their recent book, Forbidden Fruits: An Occult Novel, a follow-up to their previous collaboration, The Forbidden Book. You can find Guido online at http://guido-mina-di-sospiro.com/ and Joscelyn at https://sites.google.com/a/colgate.edu/jgodwin/. You may recall that Joscelyn was our guest way back in 2012 (https://occultofpersonality.net/joscelyn-godwin/) and Guido in 2015 (https://occultofpersonality.net/guido-mina-di-sospiro/).

Forbidden Fruits is a wonderful and intriguing tale, masterfully told and chock full of esoteric themes and insights that you might expect from experts in esoteric research and creative writing. I really enjoyed this second novel by Guido and Joscelyn. The way that current events, the esoteric, intrigue, and a fascinating plot are woven together in a highly entertaining story is quite brilliant. Furthermore, I really love how Guido, a master storyteller and one who can communicate the subtle intimacies of humanity and life, combines his writing with the erudite and esoteric knowledge of Joscelyn, one of the most respected and highly regarded academics in this field. They are a dream team. I highly recommend Forbidden Fruits! You will not regret partaking in its tempting tale.

Guido Mina di Sospiro is an award-winning, internationally acclaimed author of many books, and an erudite man with the soul of a poet. Joscelyn Godwin is a widely-recognized authority on the subject of Western esotericism and the author of many respected works on the subject.

The intro music is “Awakening” by Paul Avgerinos (http://magnatune.com/artists/albums/avgerinos-gnosis?song=3) and the outro music is “Forbidden” by Rob Costlow.

I’d like to remind you that although you’re able to listen to this podcast at no charge, it costs time and money to create. We ask you to support our efforts and the creation of future podcasts by joining the membership section at https://chamberofreflection.com or subscribing via Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality. And if you’re already supporting the show or have done so in the past – my heartfelt thanks and I salute you!

https://www.innertraditions.com/books/forbidden-fruits

Welcome to Occult of Personality: esoteric podcast extraordinaire. I’m your host, Greg Kaminsky.

In episode number 209, we’re joined by Hermetic magician Alexander Heringhaus, who is also the proprietor of the Nettles Garden website at TheOldCraft.com - https://www.theoldcraft.com/, for a wonderful chat about his path of Hermetic magic, the significance of his website, and much more!

Occult of Personality podcast is made possible by you, the listeners, and by the subscribers to https://chamberofreflection.com/, our membership site who aid us in the cause of informed, authentic, and accessible interviews about western esotericism. Thank you again! Because of your support, we’re able to bring you recordings of this caliber and many more to come.

Now, in episode #209, an interview with Hermetic magician and the creator of the website Nettle’s Garden at TheOldCraft.com described as, “… dedicated to Witchcraft, Hermetics, Magick, and Alchemy featuring the biographies of occult personalities, interviews, and articles written by practitioners for practitioners.”

You may recall that TheOldCraft.com featured an interview with yours truly in September of 2020 (https://www.theoldcraft.com/2020/09/06/interview-greg-kaminsky-awaking-authentic-spiritual-practice-uncommon-path/). During the course of that interview and over the following months, I’ve had extensive discussions with Alexander Heringhaus about Nettle’s Garden, his intention behind this website, the way he interviews practitioners, as well as talking in depth about his own path of Hermetic magick. It was a real pleasure to have the time and space to conduct the pre-interview conversations and the interview itself, which occurred over the course of a few months and several recordings. That was one, among many, of the things I appreciated about Alexander. He has a definite aim and intention, but there was never any rush. The time we took allowed us to become more comfortable, to share more, and to understand each other better. This in and of itself was a teaching for me on the nature of magick, time, and patience. Even though I’ve been doing interviews for this podcast for almost 20 years now, Alexander still taught me how I can be better at it. I hope you enjoy this wonderful chat as much as we did!

"Alexander Heringhaus was born in Ruhr-area, Germany. He practiced occultism and especially Western Hermetics since the age of 12, including working as a teenager for 4 years in an occult bookshop, where he connected with all kinds of different magicians, Abitur in Frankfurt/Main, where he often visited Walter Englert’s (OTO grandmaster, Ptahhotep in Fraternitas Saturni under Gregorius) bookshop “Occulta,” another beautiful place to connect back then. Alexander, though, was never associated himself with any known occult groups. Later university in Aachen, Germany, and Bern, Switzerland. Later after a career in publishing and management, he pursued an MBA in Moscow. Alexander lives with his family in Romania and Moscow, Russia. His main occupation is management and entrepreneurship in tech. He keeps in touch with the occult community over theoldcraft.com and the connected Instagram account theoldcraftcom, which is mainly dedicated to mascot and witch doll “Nettle.”"

The intro music is “Awakening” by Paul Avgerinos - http://magnatune.com/artists/albums/avgerinos-gnosis?song=3 and the outro music is “Paradigm Shift” by Matt van den Heuvel - http://magnatune.com/artists/albums/vandenheuvel-petalsoffire?song=1.

Alexander Heringhaus has been studying the occult, Hermeticism, and ceremonial magick for many, many years. Alexander’s esoteric practice has taken a prominent place in his life, so much so that he accomplished working through Franz Bardon’s Initiation into Hermetics. Heringhaus shares his experiences and insights into this path with us in a very special second half of the interview, available to members of the Chamber of Reflection at https://chamberofreflection.com/ and our patrons at https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality/. Be sure to listen to that amazing interview!

I’d like to remind you that although you’re able to listen to this podcast at no charge, it costs time and money to create. We ask you to support our efforts and the creation of future podcasts by joining the membership section at https://chamberofreflection.com or subscribing via Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality. And if you’re already supporting the show or have done so in the past – my heartfelt thanks and I salute you!

Welcome to Occult of Personality: esoteric podcast extraordinaire. In episode number 210, we’re joined again by our good friend, author, and speaker Angel Millar, to discuss his recent book, The Three Stages of Initiatic Spirituality: Craftsman, Warrior, Magician.

Occult of Personality podcast is made possible by you, the listeners, and by the subscribers to chamberofreflection.com, our membership site who aid us in the cause of informed, authentic, and accessible interviews about western esotericism. Thank you again! Because of your support, we’re able to bring you recordings of this caliber and many more to come.

Now, in episode #210, Angel Millar returns to the show to talk about his wonderful book, The Three Stages of Initiatic Spirituality: Craftsman, Warrior, Magician! You can find Angel online at https://angelmillar.com/.

I want to take a moment to express how grateful I am to Angel for his work, his friendship, and for the way that he values what makes us better, both individually and collectively. I have known Angel for almost as long as I’ve been doing the podcast, which is more than 15 years. During that time, he has helped me, given me guidance, and helped show me how to be more capable. I know that he has done and continues to do the same for others. I really enjoyed and learned from Angel’s book, and I think no matter where you are on your path, it would be beneficial and I highly recommend it, as I do all his work. I am truly impressed with the writing and the clarity with which he expresses what are ultimately timeless ideas but makes them applicable to modern readers. The Three Stages of Initiatic Spirituality is not only a wonderful read but can help readers to begin to shift their perceptions and experience by using what is taught along with the meditative exercises.

"Exploring the craftsman, warrior, and magician archetypes—three vocations that echo the traditional tripartite division of society—Angel Millar reveals how these archetypes represent the three successive stages of spiritual growth in an individual’s life. He shows how they provide structure for the initiatory process to develop one’s mental, physical, and spiritual potential. As craftsman, the individual experiences “mnemonic” initiation: the cultivation of memory as well as language. As warrior, “somatic” initiation: development of the physical body and cultivation of the spirit body. And as magician, “gnostic” initiation: cultivation of the self and manifestation of the Higher Self. . . Structured to parallel the three archetypal stages of the initiatic process, this comprehensive guide offers a literary initiation through three degrees of esoteric knowledge."

The intro music is “Awakening” by Paul Avgerinos (http://magnatune.com/artists/albums/avgerinos-gnosis?song=3) and the outro music is “Way of the Warrior” by Seismic Anomaly (http://magnatune.com/artists/albums/seismic-sweetrock?song=4).

In the second half of the interview in the Chamber of Reflection, Angel and I continue to discuss The Three Stages of Initiatic Spirituality, focusing more on the archetype of the magician, gnosis, and some of the results of intense spiritual practice, including bliss states and gnostic intoxication and how they are used as a method to better know the actual nature of reality. Join us for that fascinating conversation!

I’d like to remind you that although you’re able to listen to this podcast at no charge, it costs time and money to create. We ask you to support our efforts and the creation of future podcasts by joining the membership section at https://chamberofreflection.com or subscribing via Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality. And if you’re already supporting the show or have done so in the past – my heartfelt thanks and I salute you!

https://www.amazon.com/Three-Stages-Initiatic-Spirituality-Craftsman/dp/1620559323

In episode number 211, we’re joined again by our good friend, spiritual practitioner, martial artist, and author Craig Williams, to discuss his recent book, Tantric Physics I & II—In One Volume— (Vol.1: Cave of the Numinous Vol.2: Sacred Body, Sacred Space) from Anathema Publishing, Ltd.

https://www.anathemapublishing.com/tantric-physics-vol-1-2

Occult of Personality podcast is made possible by you, the listeners, and by the subscribers to chamberofreflection.com, our membership site who aid us in the cause of informed, authentic, and accessible interviews about western esotericism. Thank you again! Because of your support, we’re able to bring you recordings of this caliber and many more to come.

Now, in episode #211, Craig Williams returns to the show to talk about his wonderful book, Tantric Physics, specifically Volume II: Sacred Body, Sacred Space! You can find Craig online at http://www.ayurvedaaustin.com/.

I want to take a moment to reminisce about how I’ve known Craig personally for 9 years. Since the day I met him, he’s been honorable, straightforward, honest, smart, talented, inspiring, and has had the most intense focus on advancing on his spiritual path of almost anyone I’ve ever known. Craig’s writing and talks inspire his readers and listeners to learn and grow and become better people. I am honored and proud to call Craig my friend. I am also thrilled that he joined us here to discuss Tantra and his book, which is an absolutely amazing two-volume in one that is one of the best books on the subject I’ve read. Whatever your spiritual path, Craig’s work is beneficial because he is describing authentic esoteric view and methods that are designed to and do produce gnosis as the result. I highly recommend Tantric Physics I & II!

"First explored in Tantric Physics Vol. I: Cave of the Numinous, the new release from Anathema Publishing, Tantric Physics II: Sacred Body, Sacred Space continues to express the haunting inner realizations of initiatic perceptions. Embracing both the right-hand and left-hand paths, the text reveals a unique vision of a Tantric physics utilizing all branches of Vaidika sciences: Yoga, Ayurveda, Jyotish, Vedanta, and Tantra.

"Far from a dry academic text, Tantric Physics II: Sacred Body, Sacred Space reveals an intensely personal initiatic vision of the human body, Shivaite and Vaishnava gnostic streams, and the mysterious path of the Aghori leading unto the Womb of the Dark Goddess in all her intoxicating manifestations."

The intro music is “Awakening” by Paul Avgerinos (magnatune.com/artists/albums/avgerinos-gnosis?song=3) and the outro music is “Diana Nemorensis (A Ritual in Four Parts)” by Noumenal Vibes x Giulia Turolla (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JnHKyfY_Paw).

In the second half of the interview in the Chamber of Reflection, Craig and I continue to discuss Tantric Physics, diving very, very deeply into an exploration of gnosis, gnostic bliss, birth and death, and much more. In all my years of recording this podcast, few interviews have resulted in a more in-depth analysis and a discussion that goes straight to the heart. You do not want to miss this crucial conversation on the very nature and purpose of esoteric practice!

I’d like to remind you that although you’re able to listen to this podcast at no charge, it costs time and money to create. We ask you to support our efforts and the creation of future podcasts by joining the membership section at https://chamberofreflection.com or subscribing via Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality. And if you’re already supporting the show or have done so in the past—my heartfelt thanks and I salute you!

Welcome to Occult of Personality: esoteric podcast extraordinaire. I’m your host, Greg Kaminsky.

In episode number 212, we have a very special guest, my new co-host, Billy Hepper! Billy is a Freemason and lectures on Masonic topics. He hails from Vancouver, British Columbia, and has been a longtime listener and supporter of the podcast.

Billy also has skills in digital audio, and we share a love of specific esoteric studies, like Freemasonry, the Grail mythos, spiritual contemplation, and Tradition.

It’s been a few years since Rudolf and I parted ways and I have to admit that doing the podcast with a partner is a lot more fun. So, thankfully, Billy has agreed to join me here and we’re looking to make the podcast fresher, more energetic, and fun by doing what we do best. So, you can expect more excellent audio interviews with authors and experts in occultism and esotericism. But in this episode, I welcome Billy and we talk about our shared interests.

One of the topics Billy and I discussed is the book, Meditations on the Tarot, as it has had a significant impact on both of us. This text is subtitled A Journey into Christian Hermeticism, and it demonstrates a contemplative method for direct apperception of divine wisdom through the symbolism of the Major Arcana of the Tarot. We are forming a study circle for this book to go through it in depth. More details about the study circle are available in the recording of the initial meeting. That meeting and all future meetings will be recorded and made available for members in the Chamber of Reflection at chamberofreflection.com. After the interview, stay tuned for an important message about our new Meditations on the Tarot Study Circle.

The intro music is “Awakening” by Paul Avgerinos (magnatune.com/artists/albums/avgerinos-gnosis?song=3) and the outro music is “Crypt of the Black Virgin” by our own Billy Hepper.

Occult of Personality podcast is made possible by you, the listeners, and by the subscribers to, our membership site who aid us in the cause of informed, authentic, and accessible interviews about western esotericism. Thank you again! Because of your support, we’re able to bring you recordings of this caliber and many more to come. Although you may listen to this podcast at no charge, it costs time and money to create. We ask you to support our efforts and the creation of future podcasts by joining the membership section at https://chamberofreflection.com, subscribing via Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality, or join us at https://rokfin.com/occultofpersonality! And if you’re already supporting the show or have done so in the past – my heartfelt thanks and I salute you!

Order of the Cup and the Sword: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2125957214164805/

Welcome to Occult of Personality: esoteric podcast extraordinaire. I’m your host, Greg Kaminsky. Your co-host is Billy Hepper.

In episode number 213, we have the legendary Scott Gosnell for an amazing conversation about his translation of Giordano Bruno’s essays, entitled On Magic (https://www.amazon.com/Magic-Giordano-Bruno-Collected-Works/dp/198182636X/)! You can find Scott online at https://bottlerocketscience.blogspot.com/.

Occult of Personality podcast is made possible by you, the listeners, and by the subscribers to chamberofreflection.com, our membership site who aid us in the cause of informed, authentic, and accessible interviews about western esotericism. Thank you again! Because of your support, we’re able to bring you recordings of this caliber and many more to come.

Please remember, we are in the midst of our Meditations on the Tarot Study Circle that is open to all Chamber of Reflection paid members. At the end of this month, we’ll be meeting to discuss The Pope / Heirophant! Join us!

In the second half of our interview, available to members at https://chamberofreflection.com, our Patreon, and premium subscribers to Rokfin.com at https://www.rokfin.com/occultofpersonality, Scott Gosnell delves even deeper into the magical philosophy of the brilliant Giordano Bruno. The essays Scott translated are overflowing with fascinating insights into the mind, humanity, and the world. Join us for that wonderful conversation!

I’d like to remind you that although you’re able to listen to this podcast at no charge, it costs time and money to create. We ask you to support our efforts and the creation of future podcasts by joining the membership section at https://chamberofreflection.com or subscribing via Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality. As always, if you’re already supporting the show or have done so in the past—my heartfelt thanks and I salute you!

The intro music is “Awakening” by Paul Avgerinos (magnatune.com/artists/albums/avgerinos-gnosis?song=3) and the outro music is “Magic of Love” by Vasily Boykov (http://magnatune.com/artists/albums/vasilyboykov-mysticalspirit?song=10).

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Welcome to Occult of Personality: esoteric podcast extraordinaire. I’m Billy Hepper and Greg Kaminsky is your co-host.

Now, in episode number 214, we have the return of Freemason and author Jaime Paul Lamb to discuss his excellent recent book, The Archetypal Temple and Other Writings on Masonic Esotericism! https://triaprima.co/2021/08/18/new-book-the-archetypal-temple-and-other-writings-on-masonic-esotericism/

Jaime Paul Lamb is an astrologer and tarotist, practicing in the context of the Western occult tradition. You can find Jaime online at https://www.jaimepaullamb.com/.

In the second half of our interview, available to members at https://chamberofreflection.com, our Patreon, and premium subscribers to Rokfin.com at https://www.rokfin.com/occultofpersonality, Jaime Paul Lamb delves even deeper into the content from his latest book. We talk about astrology, Tarot, Hermeticism, and much more. Join us for that wonderful conversation!

Please remember, we are in the midst of our Meditations on the Tarot Study Circle that is open to all Chamber of Reflection paid members. Later in May, we’ll be meeting to discuss The Pope / Heirophant! Join us!

I’d like to remind you that although you’re able to listen to this podcast at no charge, it costs time and money to create. We ask you to support our efforts and the creation of future podcasts by joining the membership section at https://chamberofreflection.com or subscribing via Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality. As always, if you’re already supporting the show or have done so in the past—my heartfelt thanks and I salute you!

The intro music is “Awakening” by Paul Avgerinos (http://magnatune.com/artists/albums/avgerinos-gnosis?song=3) and the outro music is “Fortune Lies Freedom” by Shawn Harris (http://magnatune.com/artists/albums/harris-temptation?song=5).

Greg Kaminsky Linktree – https://www.linktr.ee/brothergreg
Occult of Personality podcast website – http://occultofpersonality.net
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Email – occultofpersonality@gmail.com
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Welcome to Occult of Personality: esoteric podcast extraordinaire. I’m Greg Kaminsky and your co-host is Billy Hepper.

Now, in episode number 215, we’re joined by the one and only John Michael Greer: Archdruid, Freemason, teacher of ceremonial magick and mysticism, and one of the most excellent and prolific writers around, not only with his occult books and blogs, but also his extensive writings on ecology and civilizational decline. We get into all of it in this extensive interview, which is an important and timely conversation, but especially the second half. I’ve personally found that JMG’s occult writings are very accurate and reliable, and that following his recommendations from his non-occult writings are lifesaving, so it is a joy to be able to share this interview with you!

You can find JMG online at https://www.ecosophia.net/ and https://ecosophia.dreamwidth.org/.

Occult of Personality podcast is made possible by you, the listeners, and by the subscribers to chamberofreflection.com, our membership website who aid us in the cause of informed, authentic, and accessible interviews about western esotericism. Thank you again! Because of your support, we’re able to bring you recordings of this caliber and many more to come.

In the second half of our interview, available to members at https://chamberofreflection.com and our Patreon, JMG delves even deeper into civilizational decline in its various manifestations. Join us for that compelling conversation!

I’d like to remind you that although you’re able to listen to this podcast at no charge, it costs time and money to create. We ask you to support our efforts and the creation of future podcasts by joining the membership section at https://chamberofreflection.com or subscribing via Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality. As always, if you’re already supporting the show or have done so in the past—my heartfelt thanks and I salute you!

Please remember, we are in the midst of our Meditations on the Tarot Study Circle that is open to all Chamber of Reflection paid members. In August, we’ll be meeting to discuss The Chariot and you should join us!

The intro music is “Awakening” by Paul Avgerinos (http://magnatune.com/artists/albums/avgerinos-gnosis?song=3) and the outro music is “Nou Welcome Somer” by Shira Kammen (http://magnatune.com/artists/albums/shira-almanac?song=11).

Greg Kaminsky Linktree – https://www.linktr.ee/brothergreg

Occult of Personality podcast website – http://occultofpersonality.net

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Welcome to Occult of Personality: esoteric podcast extraordinaire. I’m Greg Kaminsky and your co-host is Billy Hepper. Now, in episode number 216, author, speaker, and our good friend Angel Millar returns to the show to discuss his most recent book, The Path of the Warrior Mystic: Being a Man in an Age of Chaos. https://www.amazon.com/Path-Warrior-Mystic-Being-Man-Chaos/dp/1644112671/

"Ancient and classical societies have always had an ideal of manhood. . . Yet, today, men exist in a chaotic world without role models, guidance, or a sense of the sacred masculine. Exploring how to reconnect with the archetypal male ideal and develop the different sides of your being, author Angel Millar offers a journey of self-development to help cultivate yourself as a whole, mentally, physically, and spiritually. He examines some of the problems facing men in the world today—lack of strong friendships, distracting technology, constant criticism—and shares practices to develop yourself in the face of these problems. . . this guide will help you discover your inner sacred masculine, a better understanding of the world and your place in it . . . "

Personally, I find Millar’s writing to be inspirational, motivational, beneficial, and eminently practical. His most recent book, The Path of the Warrior Mystic, meets us where we are as modern men and helps us to understand the work required to realize our potential. If you want to understand the truth of your situation and how to make it better, I highly recommend Angel’s book. If you read it and implement its recommendations, your life will begin to change for the better.

Angel Millar is a well-known lecturer on initiation, symbolism, Freemasonry, and self-development as well as an artist and student of the martial arts. The author of several books, including The Three Stages of Initiatic Spirituality and The Path of the Warrior-Mystic. https://angelmillar.com/

Occult of Personality podcast is made possible by you, the listeners, and by the subscribers to chamberofreflection.com, our membership website who aid us in the cause of informed, authentic, and accessible interviews about western esotericism. Thank you again! Because of your support, we’re able to bring you recordings of this caliber and many more to come.

Please remember, we are in the midst of our Meditations on the Tarot Study Circle that is open to all Chamber of Reflection paid members. In September, we’ll be meeting to discuss Justice and you should join us!

In the second half of our interview, available to members at https://chamberofreflection.com and our Patreon, Angel Millar delves deeply into the circumstances which bind us and potential solutions. We also chat about the state of the world, society, and a future that most of us never imagined. Join us for that compelling conversation!

I’d like to remind you that although you’re able to listen to this podcast at no charge, it costs time and money to create. We ask you to support our efforts and the creation of future podcasts by joining the membership section at https://chamberofreflection.com or subscribing via Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality. As always, if you’re already supporting the show or have done so in the past—my heartfelt thanks and I salute you!

The intro music is “Awakening” by Paul Avgerinos (http://magnatune.com/artists/albums/avgerinos-gnosis?song=3) and the outro music is “Forbidden Zone” by Equinox. https://soundcloud.com/billy-hepper

Greg Kaminsky Linktree – https://www.linktr.ee/brothergreg

Occult of Personality podcast website – http://occultofpersonality.net

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Welcome to Occult of Personality: esoteric podcast extraordinaire. I’m Greg Kaminsky and your co-host is Billy Hepper.

Now, in episode number 217, we discuss Catholic occultism, mystical theology, saintly devotion, and exorcism with Agostino Taumaturgo! This is a great conversation with a really unique and wonderful being. Billy and I are big fans of Agostino because of the unique niche he fills and all the ways that he benefits his followers. If you’re already familiar with him and his work, then you already know, and if not, then prepare yourself for an epic Occult of Personality interview! You can find Agostino online at https://thavmapub.com/.

"Originally from Queens, New York, and having grown up in Dayton, Ohio, Agostino Taumaturgo is a unique figure. He is the product of the unlikely combination of a Traditional Roman Catholic background and a spirituality-friendly home. It was here that Agostino first learned the basics of meditation, prayer, and spiritual working. In time, Agostino completed his theology studies and was ordained to the priesthood and was later consecrated a bishop. He has since left the Traditional movement and brings this knowledge to the outside world through his teaching and writing, discussing spiritual issues and practical matters through the lens of traditional Christian theology."

Occult of Personality podcast is made possible by you, the listeners, and by the subscribers to chamberofreflection.com, our membership website who aid us in the cause of informed, authentic, and accessible interviews about western esotericism. Thank you again! Because of your support, we’re able to bring you recordings of this caliber and many more to come.

In the second half of our interview, available to members at https://chamberofreflection.com and our Patreon, Agostino Taumaturgo continues the interview delving even more deeply into Catholic occultism, exorcism and more. Join us for that compelling conversation!

Please remember, we are in the midst of our Meditations on the Tarot Study Circle that is open to all Chamber of Reflection paid members. In September, we’ll be meeting to discuss Justice and you should join us!

I’d like to remind you that although you’re able to listen to this podcast at no charge, it costs time and money to create. We ask you to support our efforts and the creation of future podcasts by joining the membership section at https://chamberofreflection.com or subscribing via Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality. As always, if you’re already supporting the show or have done so in the past—my heartfelt thanks and I salute you!

The intro music is “Awakening” by Paul Avgerinos (http://download.magnatune.com/artists/albums/avgerinos-gnosis?song=3) and the outro music is “Cursed Passage” by Equinox (AKA our own Billy Hepper!)

Greg Kaminsky Linktree – https://www.linktr.ee/brothergreg

Occult of Personality podcast website – http://occultofpersonality.net

Chamber of Reflection (Occult of Personality membership section) – https://chamberofreflection.com

Email – occultofpersonality@gmail.com

Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality

Telegram - https://t.me/occultofpersonality

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/occultofprsnlty

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeKBc9SEZJbz0A9n3ytbSXg

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/OccultofPersonality

In episode 218, we’re joined by witch, Tarot reader, teacher, and author Sabrina M. Scott for a wonderful interview about her book Witchbody (https://www.sabrinamscott.com/witchbody), which was an entrée into an extraordinary conversation about witchcraft, magic, philosophy, and the sacred! You can find Sabrina on Instagram at @sabrinamscott and her website at https://www.sabrinamscott.com/.

Sabrina Scott describes herself as a no bullshit spiritual teacher and tarot reader with clientele worldwide, who teaches magic, witchcraft, energy work, mediumship, and personal transformation. In addition to writing on spirituality, witchcraft, and tarot, Sabrina also writes about how these themes relate to recovery, trauma, violence, dysfunctional family systems, disability, chronic illness, wellness, and healing.

I loved Sabrina’s book, Witchbody, because it embodies a wholistic approach to spirituality and magic, weaving strands of intuition, ancient lore, self-empowerment, learning, philosophy, and pure insight to create a wonderful book that looks and feels like a homemade ‘zine from the 1980’s. I found speaking with Sabrina to be enchanting because she’s brilliant, knows the subject intimately, has great energy, and is able to communicate the subtleties of mysticism and magic with ease. Towards the end of the public section of the interview, we also discussed her new book Curse and Cure.

Occult of Personality podcast is made possible by you, the listeners, and by the subscribers to chamberofreflection.com, our membership website who aid us in the cause of informed, authentic, and accessible interviews about western esotericism. Thank you again! Because of your support, we’re able to bring you recordings of this caliber and many more to come.

In the second half of our interview, available to members at https://chamberofreflection.com and our Patreon, Sabrina Scott continues the conversation as we delve even more deeply into magic, devotion, prayer, and practical steps to improve our spiritual practices. Join us for that compelling conversation!

Please remember, we are in the midst of our Meditations on the Tarot Study Circle that is open to all Chamber of Reflection paid members. In late November, we’re meeting to discuss the Wheel of Fortune and you should join us!

Although you’re able to listen to this podcast at no charge, it costs time and money to create. We ask you to support our efforts and the creation of future podcasts by joining the membership section at https://chamberofreflection.com or subscribing via Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality. As always, if you’re already supporting the show or have done so in the past—my heartfelt thanks and I salute you!

The intro music is “Awakening” by Paul Avgerinos (http://download.magnatune.com/artists/albums/avgerinos-gnosis?song=3) and the outro music is “the sadness of the witch” by Falling You (http://magnatune.com/artists/albums/fallingyou-touch?song=5)

Greg Kaminsky Linktree – https://www.linktr.ee/brothergreg

Occult of Personality website – http://occultofpersonality.net

Chamber of Reflection (Occult of Personality membership section) – https://chamberofreflection.com

Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality

Email – occultofpersonality@gmail.com

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeKBc9SEZJbz0A9n3ytbSXg

Telegram - https://t.me/occultofpersonality

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/occultofprsnlty

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/occultofprsnlty/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/OccultofPersonality

Support My Work – https://paypal.me/occultofpersonality

Welcome to Occult of Personality: esoteric podcast extraordinaire! Now, in episode number 219, we’re joined by author Brian George to discuss his recent book, Masks of Origin: Regression in the Service of Omnipotence. https://untimelybooks.com/book/masks-of-origin/

Brian and his work are not the sort typically featured on this podcast. But I think you will find that the intention and exploration of his writing goes towards the results of esoteric practice and the consideration of all of the huge questions that define the meaning of our existence. This conversation is not unlike Brian’s writing in that our pace is easy, our course is not linear, and through it insights that are both wonderful and a bit surprising reveal themselves. If you appreciate humanity’s struggle to know and find new ways of knowing, you’ll enjoy this conversation. Give Brian some love and pick up his book if you enjoyed his interview.

Brian George’s personal essays invite the reader on a journey beyond the normal categories of space, time, and narrative structure, towards a shore of multidimensional experience. Writes the author: “The book is not quite a collection of essays, or the fragments of an autobiography, or a record of inter-dimensional journeys, or a work of metaphysics, or a sociopolitical critique, or an attempt to formulate a contemporary mythology—although it has elements of all of these.” In Masks of Origin, we meet the artist not only as a cosmic traveler and esoteric yogi, but also as a schoolboy, a son, a rebel, a lover, a teacher, a friend/enemy, and a family man—in short, as a person with adventurous goals but few pretenses. As we follow George in the probing of his origins, we may find that we have suddenly drawn much closer to our own.

You can find more of Brian’s writing here: https://dark-mountain.net/author/brian-george/ and https://www.metapsychosis.com/creative-agents/brian-george/.

Occult of Personality podcast is made possible by you, the listeners, and by the subscribers to chamberofreflection.com, our membership website who aid us in the cause of informed, authentic, and accessible interviews about western esotericism. Thank you again! Because of your support, we’re able to bring you recordings of this caliber and many more to come.

The intro music is “Awakening” by Paul Avgerinos (http://magnatune.com/artists/albums/avgerinos-gnosis?song=3) and the outro music is “Hidden” by Myles Cochran (http://magnatune.com/artists/albums/myles-marginal?song=4).

In the Chamber of Reflection and at our Patreon, Billy and I continue the interview with Brian George, touching upon ultimate meaning, time, life, and much more! Join us for that compelling conversation.

I’d like to remind you that although you’re able to listen to this podcast at no charge, it costs time and money to create. We ask you to support our efforts and the creation of future podcasts by joining the membership section at https://chamberofreflection.com or subscribing via Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality. As always, if you’re already supporting the show or have done so in the past—my heartfelt thanks and I salute you!

Please remember, we are in the midst of our Meditations on the Tarot Study Circle that is open to all Chamber of Reflection paid members. Later in February, we’re meeting to discuss the The Hanged Man and you should join us!

Greg Kaminsky Linktree – https://www.linktr.ee/brothergreg

Occult of Personality website – http://occultofpersonality.net

Chamber of Reflection (Occult of Personality membership section) – https://chamberofreflection.com

Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality

Email – occultofpersonality@gmail.com

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeKBc9SEZJbz0A9n3ytbSXg

Telegram - https://t.me/occultofpersonality

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/occultofprsnlty

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/occultofprsnlty/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/OccultofPersonality

Support My Work – https://paypal.me/occultofpersonality

Welcome to Occult of Personality: esoteric podcast extraordinaire. Now, in episode number 220, you know him, you love him: Freemason, Druid, and author John Michael Greer returns to the show to discuss his recent book, The Ceremony of the Grail: Ancient Mysteries, Gnostic Heresies, and the Lost Rituals of Freemasonry. https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-ceremony-of-the-grail-ancient-mysteries-gnostic-heresies-and-the-lost-rituals-of-freemasonry/18924740/

From start to finish, this interview is totally LIT! John Michael Greer has more fully revealed some of the most intriguing mysteries of western esotericism, which for me include gnostic connections in the Grail mythos and the origins of Freemasonry. To be honest, I never actually thought I would ever encounter proof that is so clear and was more than willing to accept these understandings without it, but this is next level in terms of the history of western esotericism. Highly recommended! The Ceremony of the Grail is a must read, along with Greer’s book on temple technology: The Secret of the Temple: Earth Energies, Sacred Geometry, and the Lost Keys of Freemasonry. https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-secret-of-the-temple-earth-energies-sacred-geometry-and-the-lost-keys-of-freemasonry-john-michael-greer/8779177

"Delve into Ancient Mysteries with Some of Freemasonry’s Most Guarded Secrets

"The Holy Grail. The medieval stories of Merlin. The ancient Greek Mysteries. Discover the connection between them all with this phenomenal book by 32nd-degree Freemason and celebrated author, John Michael Greer. He uses careful research to fit together seemingly unrelated traditions and topics, drawing on translated texts and published documents that, until recently, were jealously guarded. A must-read for anyone interested in occult Freemasonry and the Grail mysteries, this book provides answers that have eluded seekers for centuries.

"Using the earliest surviving Masonic ritual texts as well as pioneering insights and writings by Jessie Weston, William Morris, and other renowned scholars, this book reconstructs the Grail ritual and provides guidelines for performing it. Greer also presents Freemasonry's origins, full translations of pivotal essays, and fascinating history from megalithic to modern times. The Ceremony of the Grail pieces together a puzzle that has captivated practitioners throughout the ages."

Occult of Personality podcast is made possible by you, the listeners, and by the subscribers to chamberofreflection.com, our membership website who aid us in the cause of informed, authentic, and accessible interviews about western esotericism. Thank you again! Because of your support, we’re able to bring you recordings of this caliber and many more to come.

The intro music is “Awakening” by Paul Avgerinos (http://magnatune.com/artists/albums/avgerinos-gnosis?song=3) and the outro music is “The Holy Grail” by Russ Hopkins and Jerry Palmer (http://magnatune.com/artists/albums/hopalmer-moon?song=7).

In the Chamber of Reflection and at our Patreon, Billy and I continue the interview with John Michael Greer, where he expounds upon the origins of Freemasonry and connections to ancient religion, discusses the Ceremony of the Grail, and much more! Join us for that compelling conversation.

I’d like to remind you that although you’re able to listen to this podcast at no charge, it costs time and money to create. We ask you to support our efforts and the creation of future podcasts by joining the membership section at https://chamberofreflection.com or subscribing via Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality. As always, if you’re already supporting the show or have done so in the past—my heartfelt thanks and I salute you!

Please remember, we are in the midst of our Meditations on the Tarot Study Circle that is open to all Chamber of Reflection paid members. Later in February, we’re meeting to discuss the The Hanged Man and you should join us!

Greg Kaminsky Linktree – https://www.linktr.ee/brothergreg

Occult of Personality website – http://occultofpersonality.net

Chamber of Reflection (Occult of Personality membership section) – https://chamberofreflection.com

Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality

Email – occultofpersonality@gmail.com

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeKBc9SEZJbz0A9n3ytbSXg

Telegram - https://t.me/occultofpersonality

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/occultofprsnlty

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/occultofprsnlty/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/OccultofPersonality

Support My Work – https://paypal.me/occultofpersonality

Welcome to Occult of Personality: esoteric podcast extraordinaire! Now, in episode number 221, we have a very special interview for you—Chuck Dunning, Jr. returns to the show to discuss his excellent new book, A Rose Croix Oratory: Rosicrucian Reflections and Resources from a Knight of the Eagle and Pelican. Having written the foreword to this book myself, I can tell you that it is very, very special and this conversation with Brother Chuck reflects the beauty and sublimity of his work. https://www.amazon.com/Rose-Croix-Oratory-Rosicrucian-Reflections/dp/1605320773/

"I cannot actually imagine a better gathering of author and subject then Chuck Dunning and Masonic Rosicrucianism… since the time I met him, Chuck has demonstrated the accomplishment of virtue, the embodiment of fraternalism and love for humanity, a keen intellect, and devotion to, and knowledge of, the traditions of Freemasonry and Rosicrucianism beyond anyone I know. For him to author this text and share it with us is a tremendous blessing. He honors the origins of the Rosicrucian tradition, its philosophy, the teachings on spirituality and metaphysics, alchemy, magic, and its integration with Scottish Rite Freemasonry. Even his insights into the creation of a Christian Cabala that borrowed from the Jewish tradition, a thorny issue at best, is mature, well-considered, and kind. Finally, Brother Chuck graces us with his words about service, and most importantly, love as the basis and result of this spiritual path. It would be accurate to say that while reading this book, I was moved between respect for the impeccable communication of knowledge and feelings of heartfelt emotion when encountering sublime poetry and the underlying intentions beneath the words.

"Chuck Dunning is a true and worthy guide. This book is an authentic presentation of the Rosicrucian philosophy, from its inception in the seventeenth century to its modern expressions. The inclusion of his personal experiences, reflections, insights, and devotional verses along with the sublime symbolic artwork ensures that this book is one that you can depend on as you traverse the path. It is accurate, well-considered, intentionally crafted to aid you on your journey, and if you follow its teachings as methods to practice, you will not go astray." — Greg Kaminsky, excerpt from the foreword to A Rose Croix Oratory

From start to finish, this interview is LIT! Chuck Dunning, Jr. is one of our favorite guests and this interview demonstrates why. Embodying the spirit and understanding of Rosicrucianism and Freemasonry through living its teachings and communicating that to others is just one of the ways that Brother Dunning teaches us the way. His new book is absolutely crucial reading for anyone who is even interested in the subject and imperative for those who endeavor to follow this path. I cannot recommend Chuck Dunning’s A Rose Croix Oratory highly enough! If you know, you know. If you don’t, listen to this podcast and find out.

Occult of Personality podcast is made possible by you, the listeners, and by the subscribers to chamberofreflection.com, our membership website who aids us in the cause of informed, authentic, and accessible interviews about western esotericism. Thank you again! Because of your support, we’re able to bring you recordings of this caliber and many more to come.

The intro music is “Awakening” by Paul Avgerinos (http://magnatune.com/artists/albums/avgerinos-gnosis?song=3) and the outro music is “In Search of the Philosopher’s Stone” by William Zeitler (https://williamzeitler.com/store/InSearchOfThePhilosophersStone/index.php).

In the Chamber of Reflection and at our Patreon, Billy and I continue the interview with Chuck Dunning, Jr., where we continue our exploration of the virtues of Rosicrucianism and Freemasonry including chivalry and knighthood, Christian Cabala, prayer beads, angelic ritual, compassion as a method to overcome the illusion of separation and much more! Join us for that compelling conversation.

I’d like to remind you that although you’re able to listen to this podcast at no charge, it costs time and money to create. We ask you to support our efforts and the creation of future podcasts by joining the membership section at https://chamberofreflection.com or subscribing via Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality. As always, if you’re already supporting the show or have done so in the past—my heartfelt thanks and I salute you!

Please remember, we are in the midst of our Meditations on the Tarot Study Circle that is open to all Chamber of Reflection paid members. Later in April, we’re meeting to discuss Death and you should join us!

Greg Kaminsky Linktree – https://www.linktr.ee/brothergreg

Occult of Personality website – http://occultofpersonality.net

Chamber of Reflection (membership) – https://chamberofreflection.com

Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality

Email – occultofpersonality@gmail.com

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OccultofPersonality

Telegram - https://t.me/occultofpersonality

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/occultofprsnlty

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/occultofprsnlty/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/OccultofPersonality

Support My Work / Venmo – https://venmo.com/u/Gregory-Kaminsky-5

Support My Work / PayPal – https://paypal.me/occultofpersonality

Welcome to Occult of Personality: esoteric podcast extraordinaire. Now, in episode number 222, we have another very special interview for you! You love his books, and he always educates and entertains us beyond all expectations—the one and only, Peter Mark Adams returns to the podcast to discuss his most recent masterpiece—Hagia Sophia, Sanctum of Kronos: Spiritual Dissent in an Age of Tyranny! You can find Peter online at https://petermarkadams.com/.

"Peter Mark Adams is an author, poet, and essayist who specializes in the ethnography and visuality of ritual, sacred landscape, esotericism, consciousness, and healing. His latest book, Hagia Sophia, Sanctum of Kronos: Spiritual Dissent in an Age of Tyranny (https://scarletimprint.com/publications/p/hagia-sophia-sanctum-of-kronos), is a study of the sacred architecture of the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey, which dates back to the sixth century. Adams examines the sacred traditions encoded within the structure, from the ancient Rites of Eleusis to the school of Alexandria and offers a fresh and penetrating perspective on how architectural details and history can be read and understood. The book traces a journey across the Hellenistic world as its classical culture teeters on the brink of extinction at the hands of religious zealots."

Once again, from start to finish, this interview is LIT! Peter Mark Adams demonstrates over and over through the conversation how his mastery of his subject is all-encompassing. From Adams’s work, we can now more fully understand the significance of this holy structure and how its history and the context of spirituality which it embodies is sublime and majestic. Through understanding and appreciating human achievement in service of devotion, we participate to some degree in its intention and purpose as well. Peter Mark Adams is one of our favorite guests and this interview demonstrates why. I cannot recommend Hagia Sophia, Sanctum of Kronos highly enough! If you appreciate the most original and important esoteric scholarship available today, then you’re already a fan of his work. If not, you really should be.

I know this intro is long enough already and I don’t mean to delay you from hearing the actual interview, but I need to take one moment here to recognize the great fortune we have to read and learn what it is that Peter Mark Adams has uncovered for us, yet again. In a superlative third book, Adams has shown us a level of research, insight, and ability to understand ancient religion and spirituality that is perhaps unmatched. It is a true blessing to share in the fruits of his labors and we celebrate his work!

Occult of Personality podcast is made possible by you, the listeners, and by the subscribers to chamberofreflection.com, our membership website who aids us in the cause of informed, authentic, and accessible interviews about western esotericism. Thank you again! Because of your support, we’re able to bring you recordings of this caliber and many more to come.

The intro music is “Awakening” by Paul Avgerinos (http://magnatune.com/artists/albums/avgerinos-gnosis?song=3) and the outro music is “Knight of the Brazen Serpent” by Equinox (our own Billy Hepper!) (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuq3yYmrLGdtk-J_2ol23hA).

In the Chamber of Reflection and at our Patreon, Billy and I continue the interview with Peter Mark Adams including the contrast of the aesthetics of the Hagia Sophia with other Christian churches, the spiritual and metaphysical significance of light and sound, the adaptation of pagan deity names and words of power into Byzantine Christian liturgy, and much, much more! Join us for that compelling conversation.

I’d like to remind you that although you’re able to listen to this podcast at no charge, it costs time and money to create. We ask you to support our efforts and the creation of future podcasts by joining the membership section at https://chamberofreflection.com or subscribing via Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality. As always, if you’re already supporting the show or have done so in the past—my heartfelt thanks and I salute you! Please remember, we are in the midst of our Meditations on the Tarot Study Circle that is open to all Chamber of Reflection paid members. In June, we’re meeting to discuss Temperance and you should join us!

Greg Kaminsky Linktree – https://www.linktr.ee/brothergreg

Occult of Personality website – http://occultofpersonality.net

Chamber of Reflection (Occult of Personality membership section) – https://chamberofreflection.com

Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality

Email – occultofpersonality@gmail.com

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OccultofPersonality

Telegram - https://t.me/occultofpersonality

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/occultofprsnlty

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/occultofprsnlty/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/OccultofPersonality

Support My Work / Venmo – https://venmo.com/u/Gregory-Kaminsky-5

Support My Work / PayPal – https://paypal.me/occultofpersonality

Greg Kaminsky Linktree – https://www.linktr.ee/brothergreg

Welcome to Occult of Personality: esoteric podcast extraordinaire. I’m your host, Greg Kaminsky. Now, in episode number 223, we’re joined by Eduardo Fidencio Cano, AKA Esoteric Eddie! Eddie has been researching the occult and esoteric, hidden history, conspiracies, and more for almost two decades and has authored three books: The Lucifer Mystery Revealed, The Anunnaki Theorem, and Crystal Lattice Mind Illusion. You can find him on YouTube at @esotericeddietv and Instagram @esotericeddie.

https://www.youtube.com/@esotericeddietv

https://www.instagram.com/esotericeddie/

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Eduardo-Fidencio-Cano/author/B093Z7K5PZ

This was a really fun interview, because Eddie and I delved into all of our favorite esoteric lore starting with Lucifer and the significance of this popular figure in occultism. From there we explore the Annunaki mythology, Nephilim, biblical connections, the origins of humanity and much more! We go deep into alternative history, touching upon the research Eddie has done to reveal the true origins of religion, humanity, and the creator(s). This interview is dope, not only because of the subject matter, but because Eddie is a completely independent researcher who’s an autodidact, an author, and runs a YouTube channel that’s still growing. With his easy-going and down-to-earth style, it’s understandable why he has such a devoted following.

Occult of Personality podcast is made possible by you, the listeners, and by the subscribers to chamberofreflection.com, our membership website who aids us in the cause of informed, authentic, and accessible interviews about western esotericism. Thank you again! Because of your support, we’re able to bring you recordings of this caliber and many more to come.

The intro music is “Awakening” by Paul Avgerinos (http://magnatune.com/artists/albums/avgerinos-gnosis?song=3) and the outro music is “Dark Secret” by VSTRS (http://download.magnatune.com/artists/albums/vstrs-pandemoniumseesaw?song=4).

In the Chamber of Reflection, Eddie and I go even deeper—into conspiratorial territory that some may find challenging. From the rulers of the world and their systems of control to current events to ways to take back our own sovereignty—this interview is LIT! Please join us for that exclusive second half of the interview.

Also remember that we’re in the midst of our Meditations on the Tarot Study Circle that is open to all Chamber of Reflection paid members. In August, we’re meeting to discuss Death, and you should join us!

I want to remind you that although you’re able to listen to this podcast at no charge, it costs time and money to create. We ask you to support our efforts and the creation of future podcasts by joining the membership section at https://chamberofreflection.com or subscribing via Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality. As always, if you’re already supporting the show or have done so in the past—my heartfelt thanks and I salute you!

Occult of Personality website – http://occultofpersonality.net
Chamber of Reflection (Occult of Personality membership section) – https://chamberofreflection.com
Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality
Email – occultofpersonality@gmail.com
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OccultofPersonality
Telegram - https://t.me/occultofpersonality
Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/occultofprsnlty
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/occultofprsnlty/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/OccultofPersonality
Support My Work / Venmo – https://venmo.com/u/Gregory-Kaminsky-5
Support My Work / PayPal – https://paypal.me/occultofpersonality

Welcome to Occult of Personality: esoteric podcast extraordinaire. Now, in episode number 224, we’re joined by the man behind ARCANVM podcast and YouTube channel, Ike Baker!

Ike Baker is an author, content creator, practicing ceremonialist, and senior initiate of several lineages within the Western Esoteric Traditions, including the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, the Martinist Order of America, and Blue Lodge, and York Rite Freemasonry. With 20 years of study, training, and practice, Ike is also a traveling lecturer, instructor for multiple premiere educational organizations including the Institute for Hermetic Studies, and a Temple Chief of the HOGD. He hosts the ARCANVM YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@arcanvm), and podcast, where he produces presentation-style videos on the occult and esoteric, and converses with some of the foremost practitioners, scholars, and authors in the fields of magic, esotericism, and the occult.

This was a really fun interview because Ike and I got to delve deeply into what the spiritual path entails and requires of us, and we got quite philosophical and contemplative as we did so. It was great to speak to a fellow podcaster who’s so prolific and has a great depth of experience along with a longing to aid his companions on the path by providing us with such excellent lectures, interviews, and a presence that entices us to learn more and become better than we are. I fully support ARCANVM and Ike Baker’s work. Hearing him talk about it was a privilege.

Occult of Personality podcast is made possible by you, the listeners, and by the subscribers to chamberofreflection.com, our membership website who aids us in the cause of informed, authentic, and accessible interviews about western esotericism. Thank you again! Because of your support, we’re able to bring you recordings of this caliber and many more to come. The intro music is “Awakening” by Paul Avgerinos (http://magnatune.com/artists/albums/avgerinos-gnosis?song=3) and the outro music is “Initiation ” by Adam Fielding (http://magnatune.com/artists/albums/fielding-lightfields?song=1).

In the Chamber of Reflection, Ike Baker delved even more deeply into his thoughts about esotericism in the modern age. This part of the interview was dope! So, please join us for that exclusive second half of the interview. Also remember that we’re in the midst of our Meditations on the Tarot Study Circle that is open to all Chamber of Reflection paid members. In October, we’re meeting to discuss the Tower, and you should join us!

I want to remind you that although you’re able to listen to this podcast at no charge, it costs time and money to create. We ask you to support our efforts and the creation of future podcasts by joining the membership section at https://chamberofreflection.com or subscribing via Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality. As always, if you’re already supporting the show or have done so in the past—my heartfelt thanks and I salute you!

Greg Kaminsky Linktree – https://www.linktr.ee/brothergreg

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Welcome to Occult of Personality: esoteric podcast extraordinaire. I’m Greg Kaminsky. Now, in episode number 225, author P.D. Newman returns to the show after an eight year hiatus to discuss his recent book Theurgy: Theory & Practice—The Mysteries of the Ascent to the Divine, Homeric Epics, the Chaldean Oracles, and Neoplatonic Ritual - https://www.amazon.com/Theurgy-Theory-Practice-Mysteries-Ascent/dp/164411836X/.

This interview was a real treat because P.D. Newman gives us a great depth of insight into the history, theory, and methods of theurgy—magic of the gods! There were some technical issues with the recording that I did my best to work around. My apologies for that but I know that the content of the conversation more than makes up for it.

"P. D. Newman has been immersed in the study and practice of alchemy and theurgy for more than two decades. A member of the Masonic Fraternity, the Society of Rosicrucians, and the Martinist Order, he lectures internationally and has published articles in many esoteric journals, including The Scottish Rite Journal, The Masonic Society Journal, and Invisible College. The author of Alchemically Stoned and Angels in Vermilion, Newman lives in Tupelo, Mississippi."

The research Newman did in support of this book is really astounding and quite interesting. His scholarship has really made it clear that theurgy as we understand it did not originate in the second century A.D. but has its roots in beginningless time. Furthermore, the understanding of this activity and its context is laid out beautifully in a way that is both scholarly and valuable for practitioners. For me, what made the book so special was that contemplating the implications of his arguments helped me to see and understand that the way I defined theurgy was limiting and inaccurate, but with Newman’s words, I can more fully appreciate what is known as the Western esoteric tradition. I heartily recommend Theurgy: Theory & Practice, just like all of Newman’s books.

"In this detailed study, P. D. Newman pushes the roots of theurgy all the way back to before the time of Homer. He shows how the Chaldean Oracles were not only written in Homeric Greek but also in dactylic hexameter, the same meter as the epics of Homer. Linking the Greek shamanic practices of the late Archaic period with the theurgic rites of late antiquity, the author explains how both anabasis, soul ascent, and katabasis, soul descent, can be considered varieties of shamanic soul flight and how these practices existed in ancient Greek culture prior to the influx of shamanic influence from Thrace and the Hyperborean North. The author explores the many theurgic themes and symbolic events in the Odyssey and the Iliad, including the famous journey of Odysseus to Hades and the incident of the funeral pyre of Patroclus. He presents a close analysis of On the Cave of the Nymphs, Porphyry’s commentary on Homer’s Odyssey, as well as a detailed look at Proclus’s symbolic reading of Homer’s Iliad, showing how both of these Neoplatonists describe the philosophical theory and the technical ritual praxis of theurgy. Using the Chaldean Oracles as a case study, Newman examines in detail the methods of telestikē, a form of theurgic statue animation, linking this practice to ancient Egyptian and Greek traditions as well as theurgic techniques to divinize the soul."

Occult of Personality podcast is made possible by you, the listeners, and by the subscribers to chamberofreflection.com, our membership website who aids us in the cause of informed, authentic, and accessible interviews about western esotericism. Thank you again! Because of your support, we’re able to bring you recordings of this caliber and many more to come.

The intro music is “Awakening” by Paul Avgerinos (http://magnatune.com/artists/albums/avgerinos-gnosis?song=3) and the outro music is "Calliopeia - kithara (Ancient Greek)" by Tim Rayborn.

In the Chamber of Reflection, P. D. Newman and I continued the conversation spending considerable time discussing statue animation as part of religious ritual and got rather contemplative. This part of the interview was outstanding, so please join us for that exclusive second half.

Also remember that we’re in the midst of our Meditations on the Tarot Study Circle that is open to all Chamber of Reflection paid members. In March, we’re meeting to discuss the Moon, and you should join us!

I want to remind you that although you’re able to listen to this podcast at no charge, it costs time and money to create. We ask you to support our efforts and the creation of future podcasts by joining the membership section at https://chamberofreflection.com or subscribing via Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality. As always, if you’re already supporting the show or have done so in the past—my heartfelt thanks and I salute you!

Greg Kaminsky Linktree – https://www.linktr.ee/brothergreg

Occult of Personality website – http://occultofpersonality.net

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Welcome to Occult of Personality podcast, I’m Greg Kaminsky. Now, in episode number 226, we’re joined by Jesse Cooper Levy, AKA Kid Cooper Levy, to discuss the book he wrote about the Major Arcana of the Tarot and the Hebrew letters, entitled Black Fire. This was written while Jesse participated in on our Meditations on the Tarot study circle at chamberofreflection.com. Be forewarned, this episode goes deep into the Tarot.  

Jesse is an author of fiction and non-fiction, a musician, singer, and a songwriter. You can find him on social media @singerwrongwriter. Black Fire is currently unpublished but is scheduled to be released later this year. I’ve been friends with Jesse for a few years and it was a joy to me that he wrote this book as part of our study circle.

I’m also joined in this episode by the one and only Frater O as my co-host! You may recall Frater O from his appearances on the Whence Came You podcast a few years ago where he discussed a variety of esoteric subjects. Frater O has been a close friend for many years, so I’m thrilled to have him join us here. I have no doubt that you’ll greatly appreciate his presence, as I do.

Occult of Personality podcast is made possible by you, the listeners, and by the subscribers to chamberofreflection.com, our membership website who aids us in the cause of informed, authentic, and accessible interviews about western esotericism. Thank you again! Because of your support, we’re able to bring you recordings of this caliber and many more to come.

The intro music is “Awakening” by Paul Avgerinos (http://magnatune.com/artists/albums/avgerinos-gnosis?song=3) and the outro music is “Highway 61 (Revisited)” by Kid Cooper Levy (https://youtu.be/m10HTWQIbwY?si=--gmALGqZYj6QFeX).  

Greg Kaminsky Linktree – https://www.linktr.ee/brothergreg

Occult of Personality website – http://occultofpersonality.net

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Welcome to Occult of Personality podcast, I’m your host, Greg Kaminsky. Now, in episode number 227, the one and only Craig Williams returns to the podcast to discuss his most recent book, Desert Meditations: Gnostic Cartography – A Handbook of Agni Yoga. https://thevioletgateway.com/products/desert-meditations-gnostic-cartography-a-handbook-of-agni-yoga. As always, this interview with Craig Williams is excellent because of his extensive experience, brilliant insights, and lifelong dedication to esoteric study and practice. Enjoy!

Summary: Craig and I engage in a discussion about spirituality and its transformative power. We explore the profound teachings of Sanatana Dharma, emphasizing the value of simplicity in spiritual practices. The conversation touches on the importance of embracing change, overcoming fear, and finding resilience amidst life’s challenges. Through introspection, compassion, and profound spiritual practice, the complexities of life dissolve and we become more aware of the beauty in ordinary moments during the journey towards the eternal / self-realization.

Sections
0:09 Introduction 
13:02 The Concept of Pilgrimage 
26:21 Complicating vs. Simplifying 
39:19 Perception and Interpretation 

Practitioner of Ayurvedic Medicine, Vedic Sciences, Gnostic Spirituality, and Martial Arts, Craig Williams (Sri Indra Ram-Das Aghori) is also the author of Entering the Desert, Cult of Golgotha, and Tantric Physics Vol. I & 2, and well as numerous articles on health, martial arts, and authentic initiation in the Kali Yuga. Craig also writes various ‘Daily Meditations’ pieces in his Blog: Transmissions from the Kali Yuga (https://arisearjuna.wordpress.com/).

Craig Williams is an ordained Bishop (Tau Lazarus) with Apostolic Succession. He has a private medical practice in Austin specializing in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, Yoga, and Jyotish. He is the recipient of the prestigious Vedakovid and Yogacharya titles awarded by Vamadeva Shastri and the American Institute of Vedic Studies. More information can be found at: www.ayurvedaaustin.com/.

“Craig Williams has extensive training and education, a sincere dedication to practice and study, and an ability to distill complex philosophies and practices into accessible and practical wisdom for modern spiritual aspirants. A rising star in the world of esotericism, I highly recommend Craig’s writings and teachings.” – Greg Kaminsky, Host/Founder, Occult of Personality  

If you enjoy this interview, be sure to catch the second half, available at https://chamberofreflection.com/ and the Occult of Personality Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality/ and support the our endeavors to bring you more excellent esoteric interviews!

The intro music is “Awakening” by Paul Avgerinos (http://magnatune.com/artists/albums/avgerinos-gnosis?song=3) and the outro music is “Kirvani” by Simone Angele and Amir Kalhor.  

Greg Kaminsky Linktree – https://www.linktr.ee/brothergreg

Occult of Personality website – http://occultofpersonality.net

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Welcome to Occult of Personality podcast, now, in episode number 228, The Thai Occult! This is the full episode.

Peter Jenx, author of the wonderful and must-read The Thai Occult series of books is our guide to the magic of Thailand in an extraordinarily lit interview. To say that Peter deserves credit for sharing the amazing magic of Thailand with us in the West would be a massive understatement as his books and interviews allow a glimpse into a magical realm that we are blessed to have access to. https://www.thethaioccult.com/

I find Peter Jenx’s The Thai Occult series of books (3 so far) are some of the most interesting, most useful, and most extraordinary magical books that I have ever read. The reasons include the fact that it’s lore and knowledge from a vital living magical tradition, that magical tradition is rooted in Buddhist religion and its practitioners are accomplished meditators, and their magic can be practical or spiritual, and sometimes both simultaneously. I find the conceptual framework within which Thai magic is accomplished to be quite interesting and worthy of deeper investigation. Furthermore, this entire body of work is just more evidence to me of the efficacy of authentic spiritual practice with regard to invoking magic. I highly recommend all three The Thai Occult books by Peter Jenx. In my opinion, anyone who practices or is interested in magic would benefit from these books.

Greg Kaminsky Linktree – https://www.linktr.ee/brothergreg 
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Now, in episode number 229, a brilliant conversation with author and teacher Alan Chapman of Magia and The Baptist’s Head, where we delve into magical lineage, Aleister Crowley, gnosis, and magic as a practice to attain gnosis. This was a very long-awaited meeting, and the preparation was completely worthwhile. It is no accident that while this was recorded during the autumn of 2024, it’s being released right before the Winter Solstice.

For years I’ve been wanting to do an interview of this nature, where we discuss magic as the path towards, and in the service of, spiritual enlightenment. While I often love to focus on the intersection of these phenomena, it wasn’t until this interview that I was actually able to satisfy my yearning to know if a Western magical path could lead where I thought it was meant to by speaking with someone who claimed to have accomplished it. You can find Alan Chapman online at https://barbarouswords.com/

Joining us are the inimitable Frater O and Kid Cooper-Levy. 

If you enjoy this interview, be sure to catch the second half with Alan Chapman, available at https://chamberofreflection.com/ and the Occult of Personality Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality/ and support our endeavors to bring you more excellent esoteric interviews. For those who already subscribe and support the show, or have done so in the past, my heartfelt thanks, and I salute you!

intro music – “Awakening” by Paul Avgerinos (http://magnatune.com/artists/albums/avgerinos-gnosis?song=3)
outro music – “Land of Magic” by Frank Dorittke (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Frank_Dorittke/Mare_Tranquillitatis/pcr018_cd01_10_fd_project_land_of_magic/)  

I know that it’s been a while between episodes here and I want you to know that I am working to improve that and do more, but in the meantime, there’ve been three new episodes of the other podcast I work on with my teacher, called The Freedom Place, that you may enjoy and I definitely encourage you to listen to… https://open.spotify.com/show/19nZvJTykeHPqmTadnB2GN  

Greg Kaminsky Linktree – https://www.linktr.ee/brothergreg

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email – brothergreg@protonmail.com

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Now, in episode number 230, I’m thrilled to bring you a brilliant interview with Freemason Josef Wäges, 32°, who is a board member of the Scottish Rite Research Society and a member of the Blue Friars (Masonic Authors).

Josef appeared on the podcast previously in episode 192 to discuss the history of the Order of the Illuminati (https://occultofpersonality.net/josef-wages-and-the-order-of-the-illuminati/).

Today's interview was an absolute joy because Josef is one of the most prominent Masonic historians on Earth whose work is among the most revelatory around. It was great to learn more about him and his research in this candid and relaxed interview. Enjoy! 

Topics included:

Introduction to Freemasonry



Family Background and Masonic Heritage



Ancient vs. Modern Freemasonry



The Role of Fear and Change



Future Works and Farewell




If you appreciated this interview and want to hear some specifics about Josef’s recent work on The Secret Freemasonry of a Priest in the Temple of Nature and Étienne Morin: From the French Rite to the Scottish Rite, and much more, be sure to catch the second half of the interview with Josef Wäges, available at https://chamberofreflection.com/ and the Occult of Personality Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality/ and support our endeavors to bring you more excellent esoteric interviews. For those who already subscribe and support the show, or have done so in the past, my heartfelt thanks, and I salute you!

Huge thanks once again to the incomparable Frater O for coordinating this interview and co-hosting! 

intro music – “Awakening” by Paul Avgerinos (http://magnatune.com/artists/albums/avgerinos-gnosis?song=3) outro music – “Dying Magic Fire” by William Zeitler  

Greg Kaminsky Linktree – https://www.linktr.ee/brothergreg

Occult of Personality – https://open.spotify.com/show/1dioFRsV25Hj3SDKR3dDmx

Chamber of Reflection (Occult of Personality membership section) – https://chamberofreflection.com

Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality

email – brothergreg@protonmail.com

Telegram - https://t.me/occultofpersonality

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OccultofPersonality

Angel Millar, author of the groundbreaking new book The Crescent and the Compass: Islam, Freemasonry, Esotericism, and Revolution in the Modern Age, published by Numen Books, is our guest in podcast episode 154.

http://occultofpersonality.net/the-crescent-and-the-compass-with-angel-millar/

Craig Williams, author of Cave of the Numinous: Tantric Physics I, from Theion Publishing, returns as our guest in podcast episode 155.

http://occultofpersonality.net/craig-williams-cave-of-the-numinous/

Carl Abrahamsson, author of the anthology Reasonances, published by Scarlet Imprint, is our guest in podcast episode 156. In addition to his writings, Abrahamsson is known for his work in music, film, art, culture, and occulture.

http://occultofpersonality.net/carl-abrahamsson/

Literary journalist and novelist C.M. Mayo, author of Metaphysical Odyssey into the Mexican Revolution: Francisco I. Madero and his secret book, Spiritist Manual, is our guest in podcast episode 157.

An El Paso, Texas native, raised in Northern California, educated at the University of Chicago, C.M. Mayo is an award-winning literary journalist, novelist, poet, and translator, who has been living in and writing about Mexico for over 25 years. She is also host of the long-standing lit-blog, Madam Mayo, and the Marfa Mondays Podcasting Project.

Her most recent book, a paradigm-exploding and profoundly researched examination of the esoteric philosophy of the leader of Mexico’s 1910 Revolution, is Metaphysical Odyssey Into the Mexican Revolution: Francisco I. Madero and his Secret Book, Spiritist Manual. In 2015 it won the National Indie Excellence Award for History.
In a blend of biography, personal essay, and a rendition of deeply researched metaphysical and Mexican history that reads like a novel, award-winning writer and noted literary translator C.M. Mayo provides a rich introduction and the first translation of the secret book by Francisco I. Madero, leader of Mexico’s 1910 Revolution and President of Mexico from 1911 to 1913.
“Mayo… provides not only an English translation of Madero’s Spiritist Manual, but also a lively intoduction… The author argues effectively that Madero’s manual is essential to understanding his revolutionary zeal.”
http://occultofpersonality.net/c-m-mayo-metaphysical-odyssey-into-the-mexican-revolution/

Wicca: The Ancient Way, recently republished by the Hermetic Arts Learning Center, is the subject of podcast episode 158. We’re joined by Apollonius Mithras who is part of the Isis-Urania lineage of Traditional Witchcraft, the same that produced this text.

http://astore.amazon.com/occulofperso-20/detail/1505287898

Guido Mina di Sospiro, the award-winning, internationally acclaimed author of The Metaphysics of Ping-Pong: Table Tennis as a Journey of Self-Discovery, is our guest in podcast episode 159. Listeners may recall that Mina di Sospiro co-authored The Forbidden Book: A Novel with scholar of esotericism Joscelyn Godwin, featured in podcast episode 121.

To spin or not to spin? – that is the metaphysical question.

When a mortifying defeat to his teenage son rekindles his lifelong passion for table tennis, keen philosopher Guido Mina di Sospiro sets out to learn the game properly.

Guido’s love for spinning a feather-weight ball takes him from his local ping-pong club, populated by idiosyncratic players with extraordinary stories to tell, to training drills with a world-class coach. This seemingly harmless game also leads him into sticky situations in the CIA headquarters and the ganglands of Washington, D.C. Woven throughout his ping-pong epiphany are philosophical ruminations on Plato and Aristotle, metaphysicians and empiricists, Jung’s dark shadow, Sun Tzu’s war tactics, the I Ching, and much more.

As Guido’s journey takes him from Big Sur to a nail-biting showdown in China against a string of elite players, he finds ping-pong can teach us a surprising amount about life.

“Down the centuries Taoism, Zen, and Sufism have created a large repertoire of short and seemingly mundane stories whose goal is that of violating logic and challenging our assumptions. Twentieth-century traditionalists have done much of the same by turning received notions upside down. Ping-pong, as i will show, has so many baffling and refreshingly illogical qualities about it that, whenever I happened to play an occasional game, somehow it echoed inside me in a new and increasingly more resonant way. And as a result, I marveled all the more at how magical it was that little ball and make it fly and bounce on the table and off the opponent’s racket in mysterious ways.” – Guido Mina di Sospiro, Prelude to The Metaphysics of Ping-Pong, p. 7

Guido Mina di Sospiro has been fascinated by table tennis since childhood and regularly plays competitively. An award-winning, internationally acclaimed author, he has written four books published worldwide.

Artist Natan Alexander is our guest in podcast episode 160 to discuss the magickal art of tattoo and more.

“Natan Alexander is an award winning tattoo artist, an officer of the Ordo Templi Orientis at Knights Templar Oasis in Salem, Massachusetts, and an occult artist working in various mediums in addition to tattooing. He owns and works out of Witch City Ink, Salem’s finest tattoo studio, and Lightwave Tattoos, in Saugus, Massachusetts. Once a year, Natan also organizes the Boston Tattoo Convention, the largest international tattoo event in the New England area and now in its fifteenth year.”

“Thelema and magick have been a huge shaping force in Natan’s development, both as an individual and as an artist. As a Master Mason for over a decade and a member of the A.’.A.’. , he brings an initiate’s understanding of the symbolism and inner meanings behind the art he creates. Natan is a regular and devoted world traveler, researching the origins and energies of the cultures and ideas that inspire his art.”

I’ve known Natan personally for a several years now and consider him a friend and brother. His artwork is truly magickal and has the power to transform. Creative, talented, well-spoken, well-traveled, and with years of magickal practice under his belt, Natan’s success is built upon a solid foundation. I think you’ll enjoy this interview as much as I did, and don’t miss the second half of the interview in the membership section!

In the Occult of Personality Membership Section, artist Natan Alexander discusses his near lifelong interest in Thelema and magick, the Star & Snake artist residency and retreat space, altered states of consciousness, advice on achieving success in magick and in life, and much, much more. Don’t miss that fascinating conversation. Just go to occultofpersonality.net/membership and join now. It’s the best way to support the podcast while receiving access to a tremendous amount of additional exclusive content.

Author Timothy Hogan is our guest in podcast episode 161 to discuss his most recent book The Way of the Templar: A Manual for the Modern Knight Templar.

Timothy Hogan is an author and lecturer on the mysteries of the Western esoteric tradition. He has been received, knighted, and initiated within several Templar lineages around the world. He is the current Grand Master of the Knights Templar (Ordre Souverain du Temple Initiatique) and is President of CIRCES International. He regularly speaks around the world in both public and private venues. He has appeared previously in Occult of Personality podcast episode 91 to discuss his books The Alchemical Keys to Masonic Ritual and The 32 Secret Paths of Solomon, and episode 124 talking about Entering the Chain of Union, his acclaimed book on comparative Western esotericism.

“This is not a standard book on the Knights Templar. This book is a manual for the modern day Knight Templar. This book includes the secret history of the Templar Order, much of which has never been published in one place like this before. The book also contains an exploration of the Templar philosophy and challenges for the future. Rather than just exploring profane Templar history, this book provides the story behind the story. Regardless of what Templar lineage you may or may not belong to, the information provided in these pages are sure to resonate with anyone who has the heart of a Templar. It is a book written to prepare the Way for the Gnosis of the Grail, and to provide a sense of mission and direction to those brave chevalier preparing to do the Great Work in the Aquarian House we are collectively entering. Non nobis Domine, non nobis. Sed nomine Tuo da gloriam!”

“The Knight Templar … the warrior monk … the Grail guardian. Such images conjure thoughts in the imagination that have inspired some to the greatest acts of nobility on the one hand, and have led others into escapism or worse – into zealous fanaticism with ideas of crusading against the others in the One human family… [R]egardless of what tradition or lineages a would be Templar comes from, it should be stressed, that the heart of a true Templar is found in one who desires with all of their being to protect the sacred – regardless of its source… By its very nature then, the foundation of Templarism rests on a gnosis, or a direct personal experiential knowledge of God and the divine – regardless of what cultural names are used for this Source. To keep this principle in mind is to drink from the Holy Grail.” – Timothy Hogan, Introduction, p.9-10

Timothy Hogan is a listener favorite for a number of reasons and it’s always a pleasure to hear the revelations he shares! The Way of the Templar reveals a good amount of information that I’ve never seen anywhere before which does fill in a lot of gaps. Whether you find it convincing or too convenient, I think it’s worth reading. I also appreciated the less fundamentalist and more tolerant perspective promoted by Hogan in this book. Additionally, the advice included at the conclusion to the book, “Templar Ideas to Remember” is worth it in and of itself. I highly recommend The Way of the Templar for all those interested in the saga of the Knights Templar, as well as guidance in applying the Templar philosophy in your life.

In the Occult of Personality Membership Section, author Timothy Hogan talks more about the secret history of the Knights Templar, including the connections with gnosticism, the Larmenius Charter and survival of the original Templar Grand Master lineage, and much, much more. Don’t miss that revealing conversation. Just go to occultofpersonality.net/membership and sign up if you haven’t already. It’s the best way to support the podcast while receiving access to a tremendous amount of additional exclusive content.

Gordon White, author of Star.Ships: A Prehistory of the Spirits, published by Scarlet Imprint, is our guest in podcast episode 162.

“Gordon White is one of the most exciting writers of modern magic. His website, RuneSoup.com is one of the most widely read practical sorcery blogs on the internet. In his digital œuvre he engages with everything from entheogens, synchronicities, UFOs, ‘alternative’ history, career guidance, graphic novels, the future of media, probability and divination to pop culture. His archonology series crowns him as the dark prince of modern chaos magic...
“Gordon White is no basement mage; he is a success in many spheres, working for some of the world’s largest digital and social media companies… Gordon has dived in search of sharks and lost cities, traveled extensively and researched voraciously. Though known for his grasp of current events, his ideas are based on a deeper understanding of our disputed ancient histories. These are the subject of his book with Scarlet Imprint, Star.Ships: A Prehistory of the Spirits.”

“A defining text of the new magical renaissance, Star.Ships addresses the question of who we are now by tracing where we come from, and by drawing out the stories and the spirits that have journeyed and evolved with us. The goal is, as Gordon writes, the restoration of context.
“To this end, White applies his globally-recognised data and demographics skills to realise a groundbreaking work of truly interdisciplinary research. Utilising mythological, linguistic and astronomical data to reconstruct palaeolithic magical beliefs, he maps them to the human journey out of Africa; explores which aspects of these beliefs and practices have survived into the Western tradition; and what the implications (and applications) of those survivals may be for us.
“Written for a magically literate and operative audience, Star.Ships displays the flair, wit and engagement with evidence that adherents of his runesoup blog have come to expect from Gordon. Star.Ships beckons those who are willing to engage in the adventure to follow the great river of history that flows into and out of an ocean of stars.”

In my opinion, Gordon White has produced a brilliant book that changes our understanding of humanity’s history by extending our view into the misty antediluvian past. Star.Ships is groundbreaking and I’m in awe of the scope and masterful presentation of the material. I highly recommend Star.Ships by Gordon White and despite the fact that the book was recently published, it is already crucial to the conversation about humanity’s past. White’s own knowledge and experience of esotericism sets his work head and shoulders above any other investigators of lost civilizations.

http://occultofpersonality.net/gordon-white

http://scarletimprint.com/books/star-ships/

http://runesoup.com/

Bro. Robert Johnson, the creator, host, and writer for the Whence Came You? podcast, along with Frater O, the co-host and esoteric advisor for the show, are our guests in podcast episode 163.

“This site and blog are dedicated to providing insightful information to Freemasons and men interested in Freemasonry. There are Masonic research papers, discussion pieces and some small editorial pieces related to Freemasonry. It is hosted by Robert Johnson, a York Rite Freemason and Knight Templar. He is a husband and father, and in addition is an interfaith minister.”

Whence Came You? is the premier Masonic podcast, providing light to Freemasons and men interested in Freemasonry. A weekly show, with over 200 episodes completed and going strong, Whence Came You? is a brilliant method of bringing the history, teachings, and conversations about Freemasonry to the digital age. Robert Johnson and his co-host Frater O do a superb job of exploring the esoteric aspects of Freemasonry and the world in general, fulfilling a need for many Masons.

In addition to hearing about Bro. Robert’s and Frater O’s interest in esotericism and Freemasonry, Robert explains his journey to begin the Whence Came You? podcast and how it’s grown so prominent in a relatively short time. We also spend a considerable portion of the interview discussing a couple of state grand lodge edicts that expelled Masons for homosexuality in one case, and for pagan religious beliefs in another. Robert wrote a strongly worded statement (“Forcing Accountability“) detailing his thoughts about the situation and expressing his vehement disagreement with these expulsions. This leads into a conversation about equality and Freemasonry more generally that was unexpected and perhaps a bit challenging.

It was an honor and great joy to be able to talk with Bro. Robert and Frater O about their show and Freemasonry in general. If you’re interested in Freemasonry, the esoteric, Masonic history, and current events within the fraternity, Whence Came You? podcast is required listening. But even if you’re not a Mason, the show is so well done and interesting that there’s something there for anyone interested in Western esotericism and fraternity.

In the Occult of Personality Membership Section, Bro. Robert Johnson and Frater O share their insights into the esoteric significance of the Three Degrees of Blue Lodge Masonry connected with the occult anatomy of man, the concept of primordial consciousness, how to find the esoteric hidden in plain sight, and much, much more! Join us for that excellent second half of the interview by going to occultofpersonality.net/membership and clicking the Join Now button to subscribe.

Nick Redfern, author of Bloodline of the Gods: Unravel the Mystery of the Human Blood Type to Reveal the Aliens Among Us, is our guest in podcast episode 164.

"Nick Redfern works full time as a writer, lecturer, and journalist. He writes about a wide range of unsolved mysteries, including Bigfoot, UFOs, the Loch Ness Monster, alien encounters, and government conspiracies. Nick has written 33 books, including Men in Black, The Zombie Book, For Nobody’s Eyes Only, Final Events, Secret History, Monster Files, The World’s Weirdest Places, The Pyramids and the Pentagon, and Chupacabra Road Trip. He writes for the MUFON UFO Journal and Mysterious Universe. Nick has appeared on numerous television shows, including The History Channel’s Ancient Aliens, Monster Quest, and UFO Hunters, National Geographic Channel’s The Truth about UFOs and Paranatural, BBC’s Out of this World, and SyFy Channel’s Proof Positive."

"Are significant numbers of humanity the product of an ancient and advanced alien civilization? Have we, across the millennia, been periodically modified and refined as a species? In short, has our genetic make-up been manipulated by otherworldly beings that view human civilization as one big lab experiment?

"These are controversial and thought-provoking questions. They are also questions that demand answers, answers that may very well be found by examining those people whose blood type is Rh negative.

"The vast majority of humankind--85 to 90 percent--is Rh positive, which means a person's red blood cells contain an antigen directly connected to the Rhesus monkey. This antigen is known as the Rh factor.

"Each and every primate on the planet has this antigen, except for one: the remaining 10 to 15 percent of humans. If the theory of evolution is valid--that each and every one of us is descended from ancient primates--shouldn't we all be Rh positive? Yes, we should. But we're not. The Negatives are unlike the rest of us. They are different.

"They are the unique individuals whose bloodline may have nothing less than extraterrestrial origins."

The nature of the differences between Rh blood factors and the origin of those differences are intriguing. The actual evidence presented in the book is interesting and a starting point. The blood factor difference, while intriguing needs more evidence in order to connect it with the the mysteries of the ancient and modern world, in my opinion. You can hear from the interview that Nick has incredible insight, depth of experience, and knowledge about the subject that he generously shares. Read Bloodline of the Gods and decide for yourself!

In the Occult of Personality Membership Section, UFOlogist and author Nick Redfern shares his insights about my own UFO experience and its possible meaning, the high-strangeness and associated esoterica connected with UFOs, and more. Be sure to listen to that captivating conversation! Just go to http://occultofpersonality.net/membership/ and click the Join Now button to subscribe. Not only will you receive access to an amazing archive of exclusive content, but you'll also be supporting the show!

Nick Redfern's World of Whatever

Bloodline of the Gods: Unravel the Mystery of the Human Blood Type to Reveal the Aliens Among Us by Nick Redfern

intro music by Paul Avgerinos

outro music – "Space Mother Dub" by Liquid Rainbow

Gary Lachman, author of The Secret Teachers of the Western World, and many other books on esoteric themes, is our guest in podcast episode 165.

“Gary Lachman is one of today’s most respected writers on esoteric and occult themes. His many books – including Madame Blavatsky, Aleister Crowley, Swedenborg, Jung the Mystic, and Rudolf Steiner – have received international acclaim. A founding member of the band Blondie, Lachman has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He lives in London and you can find his web site at garylachman.co.uk.”

“This epic study unveils the esoteric masters who have covertly impacted the intellectual development of the West, from Pythagoras and Zoroaster to the modern icons Jean Gebser and Schwaller de Lubicz.

“Running alongside the mainstream of Western intellectual history is another current, which, in a very real sense, should take pride of place, but which for the last few centuries has occupied a shadowy, inferior position, somewhere underground. This “other” stream forms the subject of Gary Lachman’s sweeping history and analysis The Secret Teachers of the Western World.

“In this clarifying, accessible, and fascinating study, the acclaimed historian explores the Western esoteric tradition – a thought movement with ancient roots and modern expressions, which, in a broad sense, regards the cosmos as a living, spiritual, meaningful being and humankind as having a unique obligation and responsibility in it.

“The historical roots of our “counter tradition,” as Lachman explores, have their beginning in Alexandria around the time of Christ. It was then that we find the first written accounts of the ancient tradition, which had earlier been passed on orally. Here, in this remarkable city, filled with teachers, philosophers, and mystics from Egypt, Greece, Asia, and other parts of the world, in a multi-cultural, multi-faith, and pluralistic society, a synthesis took place, a creative blending of different ideas and visions, which gave the hidden tradition the eclectic character it retains today.

“With many detours and dead ends, we now seem to be slowly moving into a watershed. It has become clear that the dominant, left-brain, reductionist view, once so liberating and exciting, has run out of steam, and the promise of that much-sought-after “paradigm change” seems possible. We may be on the brink of a culminating moment of the esoteric intellectual tradition of the West.”

“It was, we remember, the fusion of the old and new that characterized the Renaissance, and we seek as similar “Goldilocks moment,” when the balance between the two [modes of consciousness] will be “just right.” And while I am not suggesting that we are definitely on the cusp of a similarly creative time – I make no prophecy of yet another new age – there is no reason to believe such an outcome is impossible. Making it possible is up to us. Any lasting change must first take place in the individual. Future historians will have to determine the outcome and what, if anything, we today have learned from the secret teachers of the western world.” – Gary Lachman, The Secret Teachers of the Western World, p. 464

I very much appreciated this most recent book by Gary Lachman because of the way he explores the history of western esotericism by walking the line between initiate and scholar with ease. I also thought the underlying narrative about human consciousness was both necessary and masterfully done. I think this book deserves a place on your shelf and from the interview, the depth of Lachman’s knowledge about his subjects is clear. I highly recommend The Secret Teachers of the Western World.

In the Occult of Personality Membership Section, Gary Lachman talks more about his epic tome, The Secret Teachers of the Western World as we continue to explore some of the most important, but lesser known figures in western esotericism. Don’t miss second half of this excellent interview. Just go to occultofpersonality.net/membership and join now if you haven’t already. It’s the best way to support the podcast while receiving access to a tremendous amount of additional exclusive content.

intro music by Paul Avgerinos

outro music – “Eternal Grace” by Sound of Seventy Three

Orryelle Defenestrate-Bascule, the internationally acclaimed artist and mage, returns to the show as our guest in podcast episode 166 to discuss his Tela Quadrivium book series, alchemical chess, and his upcoming show at Catland in Brooklyn, New York on June 24, 2016.

Orryelle Defenestrate-Bascule is “a prolific visual and sonic artist. Orryelle finds drawing, painting, sculpture, theatre, photography, animation, verse, video, violin and voice effective ways of earthing magickal currents.”

Orryelle is intensely creative and deeply versed in esoteric symbolism, making magic through art and performance. His very presence alters the atmosphere in a room and it’s clear that his artwork is integral to his very being, as well as a continuation of an interaction that artists, gods, and goddesses have been having for millennia.

“Distillatio is the final volume in Orryelle’s four-fold Alchymic book-web The Tela Quadrivium. For eight years Orryelle worked only in black and white (with touches of gold and silver) for the previous volumes in the series, but in the last few years he has been exploring the alchemy of Colour in diverse media for this culminating volume…

“Each volume of the Tela Quadrivium series connects into a multi-directional and spiraling narrative of images, symbols and text to form a greater whole which has now been distilled into completion. As the culminating volume of the Tela Quadrivium, Distillatio provides the reader with the final pieces in an intricate esoteric puzzle, bringing together the book-web entire.”

In the Occult of Personality Membership Section, Orryelle talks more about his amazing magical artwork and performances, as well as his recent artist residency at the Star and Snake. Also, Orryelle performs a special chanted incantation that’s not to be missed. Just go to http://occultofpersonality.net/membership/ and click Join Now, if you haven’t already. It’s the best way to support the podcast while receiving access to a tremendous amount of additional exclusive content.

Robert W. Sullivan IV, author of Cinema Symbolism: A Guide to Esoteric Imagery in Popular Movies, returns to the show in podcast episode 167. Sullivan was our guest previously in episode 146 to discuss his prior book The Royal Arch of Enoch: The Impact of Masonic Ritual, Philosophy, and Symbolism.

Robert W. Sullivan IV is a philosopher, historian, antiquarian, jurist, theologian, writer, and lawyer. Mr. Sullivan is a Master Mason and 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason. The Royal Arch of Enoch: The Impact of Masonic Ritual, Philosophy, and Symbolism, published in 2012, was his first book being the product of twenty years of research. In 2014 Sullivan published his second book, Cinema Symbolism: A Guide to Esoteric Imagery in Popular Movies.

Cinema Symbolism: A Guide to Esoteric Imagery in Popular Movies is about occult, numerological, astrological, mythological, alchemical, Tarot, and kabbalistic iconography and symbolism contained within popular movies. Films analyzed include The Exorcist, The Back to the Future Trilogy, Star Wars (Episodes I-VI), The Lord of the Rings, The Wizard of Oz, Black Swan, 9 ½ Weeks, The Fifth Element, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, the James Bond movies, and The Matrix among many others.

Robert Sullivan’s Cinema Symbolism is a tour de force through modern film exploring the esoteric symbolism encoded within popular movies. I appreciate the insight, expertise, and thorough nature of the analysis. The symbolic ideas explored by the book are serious subjects, but it’s still readable at the same time. I also appreciate the authority that Sullivan brings to this subject. Based only on his previous book, The Royal Arch of Enoch, Sullivan is not only highly qualified on the subject of esoteric symbolism, philosophy, religion, and history, but his personal experience with Freemasonry makes his writing on the subject superior to all other analyses of popular entertainment. If you enjoy movies and want to know about the esoteric symbolism some of them convey, this is a must read. Highly recommended!

In the Occult of Personality Membership Section, Robert Sullivan continues our discussion about esoteric symbolism in popular film including popular movies as prophecy (9/11) and directory Stanley Kubrick’s film The Shining‘s allusions to NASA and the space program. This second part of the interview with Sullivan was actually the highlight of our conversation and you’ll definitely enjoy it. Just go to http://occultofpersonality.net/membership/ and click Join Now, if you haven’t already. It’s the best way to support the podcast while receiving access to a tremendous amount of additional exclusive content.

Ivo Dominguez, Jr., author of Practical Astrology for Witches and Pagans: Using the Planets and the Stars for Effective Spellwork, Rituals, and Magickal Work, is our guest in podcast episode 168.

Ivo Dominguez, Jr. is a visionary and a practitioner of a variety of esoteric disciplines. He has been active in Wicca and the Pagan community since 1978 and has been teaching since 1982. Ivo was a founding member of the first coven of The Assembly of the Sacred Wheel, a Wiccan Tradition where he currently serves as one of its Elders.

He is the author of Casting Sacred Space: The Core Of All Magickal Work; Spirit Speak: Knowing and Understanding Spirit Guides, Ancestors, Ghosts, Angels, and the Divine; and Beneath the Skins. Ivo is also a professional astrologer who has studied astrology since 1980 and has been offering consultations and readings since 1988.

The main subject of our interview is Ivo’s most recent book, Practical Astrology for Witches and Pagans.

“More often than not, people think of astrology as a tool for divination or the exploration of one’s personality. Astrology is considerably more than that. It is a sacred science, a highly descriptive symbolic language, and it is also a technology that can be applied to ritual, herbalism, the use of crystals, and much more.

“But it can be daunting to take on the study of Astrology. After all, it’s a field so huge it would take several lifetimes to master it. And that’s why Ivo Dominguez, Jr., wrote this book–to provide practitioners of magick with a Pagan perspective on Astrology and the core concepts of Astrology that are most useful to building rituals and creating effective magick.

“When we look at an astrological chart, what we are actually looking at is a map of the multiple planes of existence summarized and flattened into an understandable diagram–a kind of magickal cartogram. Now, what to do with this map? How can we best use it in our magickal work? That’s precisely what you’ll discover in the pages of this concise, focused, and expertly presented book.”

Ivo describes the book as “… a practical handbook for any practitioner of magic to use in building individual rituals and creating the most effective magic.” I’d have to agree. I found this book to be very accessible and easily applicable, bringing the reader a much greater understanding of how to effectively employ astrology with magick. I highly recommend it!

Ivo also spends time talking about the New Alexandrian Library, and all the planning and work that went into this endeavor.

“The NAL is a research and lending library located near Georgetown, DE dedicated to the preservation of books, periodicals, newsletters, music, media, art works, artifacts, photographs, and digital media focused on the metaphysical aspects of all religions and traditions. There is a special focus on the preservation of materials from the Pagan, Polytheist, and Western Mystery Traditions.

“Construction finished in December of 2014 and we are in the process of setting up the shelves, unpacking the books, and preparing all systems to open the doors to the public. Both the building and the land are free and clear of any lien or debt.”

In the Occult of Personality Membership Section, Ivo Dominguez, Jr. talks about the development of psychic abilities and provides a teaching on protection magick. Several listeners have asked to learn more about protective magick and I’m pleased to have a great teacher like Ivo to address this subject. Join us! Just browse to http://occultofpersonality.net/membership/ and Join Now if you haven’t already. Not only will you get access to this great teaching with Ivo, but also more than a hundred other recordings, all while supporting the podcast.

intro music by Paul Avgerinos

outro music – “Bright Stars” by Kurt Hunter

Gordon White returns to the show in podcast episode 169 to discuss his recent book The Chaos Protocols: Magical Techniques for Navigating the New Economic Reality. He was previously our guest in episode 162.

“The years since the financial crash have seen the realization dawn that the great promise of modern civilization will go unfulfilled. Study hard, work hard, buy a house, retire happy. It’s all a lie, spun for the benefit of a tiny elite. The richest eighty-five people on earth have as much wealth as the poorest 3.5 billion. Each month, the numbers change but they never improve.

“Magical and spiritual discourse has failed to keep up with this new reality. The Chaos Protocols aims to fix that.

“Join Gordon White as he shows you how to use chaos magic not only to navigate these trying times, but to triumph as well. Discover how to become invincible through initiation, and wage the mind war that will keep you moving toward what you really want. From sigil magic to working with spiritual allies, The Chaos Protocols helps you act on the unwavering belief that your life should matter and you’re not going to let something as trifling as the apocalypse get in the way of it.”

“Gordon White runs one of the leading chaos magic blogs, Rune Soup at runesoup.com. He has worked nationally and internationally for some of the world’s largest digital and social media companies. Gordon has presented at media events across Europe on social strategy and the changing behaviors and priorities of Generation Y.”

Gordon White appeared previously in Occult of Personality podcast episode 162, talking about his book Star.Ships: A Pre-history of the Spirits. Like before, this episode with Gordon is densely packed with detailed Q & A about his book. I’ve done my best to provide you with an in-depth examination of Gordon’s work because I feel that it is extremely relevant. Additionally, he’s producing some of the best content around. This interview is a real gem, as is Gordon’s book. I recommend both. Enjoy!

In the Occult of Personality Membership Section, join Gordon White and I for the continuation of the interview. We continue to discuss “magical techniques for navigating the new economic reality,” including both theory and practice. Join us for that crucial conversation! Just go to http://occultofpersonality.net/membership/ and sign up if you haven’t already. It’s the best way to support the podcast while receiving access to more than a hundred exclusive interviews, lectures, meditations, and more!

intro music by Paul Avgerinos

outro music – “Like Tainted Money” by Robert Scott King

Acclaimed author Andrew Phillip Smith is our guest in podcast episode 170 to discuss Gnosticism, specifically his book The Secret History of the Gnostics, from Watkins Publishing.

“Andrew Phillip Smith is editor of The Gnostic and the author of several books on Gnosticism, esotericism and early Christianity, including the first ever Dictionary of Gnosticism. He has also written for New Dawn, Fortean Times and The Guardian. Originally from Wales he now lives in Dublin.”

“The Secret History of the Gnostics offers long-awaited illumination on the mystical movement that teaches ‘gnosis’ – knowledge of God as opposed to unquestioning faith. Acclaimed author Andrew Phillip Smith delves into the myths and practices of this ancient movement, exploring its popularity during 2nd century AD, its subsequent decline under the weight of orthodoxy in the Church, and its present-day resurgence. Gnosticism has traveled a fascinating path – from the Manichaeans in Modern Persia between the 3rd and 7th centuries AD, to the triumphs and tragedies of the Cathars in Southern Europe between the 12th and 14th centuries, to, finally, today’s Mandaeans in Iraq. However, as the author points out, the revival of Gnosticism extends further than these narrow sects, offering inspiration to a legion of literary figures, including Dan Brown and Philip Pullman. Gnosticism’s emphasis on personal over organized religion, in keeping with the doctrine of the early Christian era during which it thrived, has found particular resonance with today’s multicultural world. The Secret History of the Gnostics is not simply an authoritative account of one sect’s practical beliefs and customs – it is, in effect, a manifesto, an appeal to those inspired by or drawn to the Gnostic faith not to forget its origins.”

Smith has also written extensively on the Cathars and their connections to Gnosticism in his recent book The Lost Teachings of the Cathars, which we touch upon, but discuss in greater detail in second half of the interview in the Occult of Personality Membership Section.

“Centuries after the brutal slaughter of the Cathars by papally endorsed Northern French forces, and their suppression by the Inquisiton, the medieval Cathars continue to exert a powerful influence on both popular culture and spiritual seekers. Yet few people know anything of the beliefs of the Cathars beyond vague notions that they believed in reincarnation, were vegetarians, were somehow Gnostic, and had some relation to Mary Magdalene. The Lost Teachings of the Cathars explores the history of this Christian dualist movement between the 12th and 14th centuries, offering a sympathetic yet critical examination of its beliefs and practices. As well as investigating the origin of the Cathars, their relationship to the ancient Gnostics of the early centuries AD and the possibility that they survived the Inquisition in some way, the author also addresses recent renewed interest in Catharism.”

Smith is clearly one of the best modern writers on the subject of Gnosticism and his work is pure gold. I highly recommend his books to anyone interested in Gnosticism, Catharism, and connecting with these philosophies from an accurate perspective, both spiritually and historically.

In the Occult of Personality Membership Section, Andrew Phillip Smith and I continue the interview, discussing Catharism and the interest in Gnosticism over the centuries. Don’t miss that excellent conversation. Just go to http://occultofpersonality.net/membership/membership-options/ and Join Now if you haven’t already. It’s the best way to support the podcast while receiving access to a tremendous amount of additional exclusive content!

intro music by Paul Avgerinos

P. D. Newman specializes in entheogenic symbolism within Masonic ritual, is the author of the forthcoming book Alchemically Stoned: The Sprig of Acacia and the Psychedelic Secret of Freemasonry, and is our guest in podcast episode 171.

“P.D. Newman is a Scottish Rite Freemason and a Masonic Rosicrucian. The focus of his research is on the presence of entheogenic symbolism within Masonic ritual. He has had papers published by a variety of Masonic periodicals and popular websites. His book, Alchemically Stoned: The Sprig of Acacia and the Psychedelic Secret of Freemasonry is planned for release in 2017.”

“Alchemically Stoned: The Sprig of Acacia and the Psychedelic Secret of Freemasonry is a ground breaking work by Freemason P.D. Newman, 32° which explores the ceremonial use of the powerful entheogen dimethyltryptamine (DMT) within Masonic ritual. The sprig of acacia is an important symbol within Freemasonry. But, unbeknownst even to the fraternity’s own initiates, the acacia is rich in more than just symbolism. Newman details the actual use of acacia-produced DMT by alchemically inclined Freemasons as early as 1762. His premise challenges everything we think we know about the history, nature, and aims of the Masonic fraternity.”

Newman is currently fundraising to support the writing and publishing of his upcoming book. To support his work, visit the GoFundMe page at https://www.gofundme.com/2husmt5w. “With a foreword from Clark Heinrich and an introduction by Dr. David Harrison, Alchemically Stoned: The Sprig of Acacia and the Psychedelic Secret of Freemasonry will be an essential addition to the libraries of psychedelic enthusiasts and Freemasons alike.”

Newman is doing serious research on entheogenic symbolism and Masonic ritual, publishing articles in both Masonic and popular venues. He has an extensive background in ceremonial magick and psychedelics, so it with authority that he brings forward his research. Regardless of opinions about his conclusions, this is important research and an area that cannot be ignored. During the interview, I was not nearly as open-minded as I would have preferred and interrupted to voice my own opinion at times, but Newman was gracious and patiently explained his research and conclusions. He’s certainly provided food for thought. I encourage you to read more of Newman’s articles if you find this subject interesting, as well as his upcoming book.

In the Occult of Personality Membership Section, P. D. Newman and I continue the interview, discussing the nature of gnosis and his upcoming book Alchemically Stoned. Join us for that fascinating conversation! Go to http://occultofpersonality.net/membership/membership-options/ and Join Now if you haven’t already. It’s the best way to support the podcast while receiving access to a tremendous amount of additional exclusive content!

Michael Bertiaux, artist, and the author of the acclaimed Voudon Gnostic Workbook and the recent Ontological Graffiti, is our guest in podcast episode 172. This interview was created in collaboration with our friends at Black Lotus Kult.

“Michael Bertiaux, author of the famed Voudon Gnostic Workbook and Hierophant of the Voudon Gnostic Current is a rare visionary in modern occult studies. Raised in a liberal theosophical household, he was drawn to the esoteric and spiritual approach to religion and Being from early on. After studying philosophy in New Orleans and having been ordained as a Deacon in the Anglican Church, Bertiaux was sent to Haiti in 1963 where he taught philosophy and was in charge of the local Anglican museum. It was on “the magic island” that Bertiaux met his spiritus rector, Dr. Jean-Maine, who initiated him into the secrets of the Voudon Gnosis. His close collaboration with Jean-Maine, first in Haiti and then later in Chicago lasted until the Voudon master’s death in the early 1980s… Bertiaux stands unique in the spiritual world. His system of occultism and gnosis is unlike any other. Instead of reworking the occult past and clinging to classical theories, he works mainly on gnostic-radionic lines and esoteric creativity. Deeply rooted and based in the magical world and traditions of Esoteric Voudon … Bertiaux has managed to introduce a great number of other spiritual currents into his system… To unite areas so seemingly apart as German Idealism and theosophy, to Shinto and Bon-Po, Bertiaux has spun a metaphysical web connecting and bringing them into occult harmony through the threads … of Esoteric Voudon… To aid in this … metamorphosis Bertiaux also stresses the creative aspects of magic and gnosis. In addition to being a writer and philosopher, he has produced many “evocative” works of art, including paintings that have been used as magical instruments and gateways to the spirit world. He has not only greatly influenced contemporary occult circles and individuals such as Kenneth Grant of the Typhonian OTO, the Chaos magick scene, and Gnostic circles, but also musicians and artists…”

“A long-awaited new edition of the seminal text on the spiritual system that is a convergence of Gnosticism and Haitian voodoo, The Voudon Gnostic Workbook is a singular sacred work that is comprehensive in scope–from “how to be a lucky Hoodoo” to how magick and voodoo intersect energetically, to esoteric time travel. Complete with charts and graphs and instructive interdimensional physics, The Voudon Gnostic Workbook is an “object of desire” among students of the occult.

“[T]he book itself is somewhat of an “unholy grail.” There are listservers devoted to it and much discussion of the mysteries held within its pages. While The Voudon Gnostic Workbook has remained a controversial book considered important for masters of metaphysics, it recently came into popular culture and renewed popularity when Grant Morrison revealed it had been the inspiration for his cult comics The Invisibles, using the cribbed time travel from Bertiaux’ s masterwork… Launched out of a correspondence course and series of classes for students and followers of Voudon Gnosticism and the OTO, this seminal text is at once one of the most mysterious and magnificent of all esoteric books.”

“Everywhere in the Gnostic Continuum, ‘mind’ is active. The Hyde Park Lodge was able to tap into extra-dimensional, transcendental mind-forms, and develop methods to understand and make use of inner-plane communications. Ontological Graffiti details the work which allowed this ability, and serves as a magical record of a group of seekers discovering Gnostic and Vudu pathways and making use of the tremendous energy and knowledge gained from traveling them.” – Michael Bertiaux

I’m proud to bring you this interview that was created in collaboration with our friends at Black Lotus Kult, who did all the heavy lifting.They’ve also created a new video series exploring a variety of interesting topics with Bertiaux, so be sure to check out the links in the show notes. Like Bertiaux’s books, you’ll find this interview with him to be surprising, insightful, erudite, and very magical. How could it not be? He’s one of the most original, creative, and artistic occultists of the modern age. Enjoy!

In the Occult of Personality Membership Section, you’ll find the second half of the interview with Michael Bertiaux featuring some very interesting insights from a living legend. Don’t miss that excellent, exclusive recording. Just go to http://occultofpersonality.net/membership and sign up if you haven’t already. It’s the best way to support the podcast while receiving access to a tremendous amount of additional exclusive content.

Thanks for listening and until next time…

intro music by Paul Avgerinos

outro music – “Papadambalah” by Axial