Occult of Personality podcast

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.comhttps://www.innertraditions.com/journeys-in-the-kali-yuga.htmlintro music - "Awakenings" by Paul Avgerinosoutro music - "Nordic Bells" by Lunar5

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-sapientiahttps://www.anathemapublishing.com/http://witchhollow.ca/intro – “Awakening” by Paul Avgerinosoutro – “Lucifer” by Stanislav

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/1945147245The 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-gavinintro – “Awakening” by Paul Avgerinos - http://magnatune.com/artists/albums/avgerinos-gnosis?song=3outro – “Dark Hushes Light” by Mikal Evans - http://magnatune.com/artists/albums/mevans-jailhouse?song=1

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

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 Avgerinosoutro music – “Kirvani” by Simone Angele and Amir Kalhor

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-saturnSola-Busca tarocchi published by Scarlet Imprint - https://scarletimprint.com/publications/sola-busca-tarocchiIntro music – “Awakening” by Paul Avgerinos - http://magnatune.com/artists/albums/avgerinos-gnosis?song=3Outro music – “Saturn Blues” by Beats Under Control - http://magnatune.com/artists/albums/beatunder-intro?song=6

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 Avgerinosoutro music - "Ritual" by Beth Quist

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!

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.comEntering the Desert - https://www.anathemapublishing.com/entering-the-desertI’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

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

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 [email protected] 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/0983063931AZOTH 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/

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/kmontanajordanOregon Ghost Conference (where Katie is presenting "Theoretical Demonology in Paranormal Research") - http://www.oregonghostconference.comI 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 [email protected] music - "Awakening" by Paul Avgerinos - http://magnatune.com/artists/albums/avgerinos-gnosis?song=3outro music - "Ghost by Your Side" by Ash Ganley - http://magnatune.com/artists/albums/ashganley-univaccept?song=5

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

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.

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 i

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 BertiauxI’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 Avgerinosoutro music – “Papadambalah” by Axial

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!

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

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

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 Avgerinosoutro music – “Bright Stars” by Kurt Hunter

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.

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.

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. 464I 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 Avgerinosoutro music – “Eternal Grace” by Sound of Seventy Three

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 WhateverBloodline of the Gods: Unravel the Mystery of the Human Blood Type to Reveal the Aliens Among Us by Nick Redfernintro music by Paul Avgerinosoutro music – "Space Mother Dub" by Liquid Rainbow

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.

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

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.9-10Timothy 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.

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.

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. 7Guido 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.

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

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/

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/

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/

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/