
What Magic Is This?
162 episodes — Page 3 of 4
The Ancients & The Stars with Amaya Rourke
EThrough the vastness of time, one thing we've all had in common was the sky, especially that of the night sky. The Stars, Moon and planets have meant many different things to our Ancestors. Many saw the cosmic dance these celestial bodies followed as an integral part of not only their Myths or Cosmology but having real agency in our lives and in events here on earth. There is much magic in the stars, and to discuss as well as elucidate such things is my guest for this episode, Amaya Rourke!
Christianity & Magic with Rev. Michael Lux
ETo many the words "Christianity" and "Magic" should be like oil and water. For most Christians, the Occult is strictly forbidden; a dalliance with the dark forces of Satan. For Occultists, Christianity is the great adversary; always seeking to destroy and do away with those who use Magic of any form. Yet these dichotomies are somewhat new and it has not always been so easy to seperate. Much of the nuance has been lost, but luckily over the last 15 years, many of those into Magic and Witchcraft have begun the process of reexamining these complex ideas. Joining this episode is Christian Magician and renegade catholic cleric Reverend Michael Lux.
Lucid Dreaming
EWe all dream. Yet sometimes, while we are dreaming we become conscious of the fact that it is almost as if we are in the dream; we realize that we are active in our thoughts and actions. This is Lucid Dreaming, the ability to be aware while in a dream state. Most people have had at least one Lucid dream, others can lucid dream in great detail and frequently. In this episode of WMiT? we tackle this odd phenomenon which has massive possibilities for the study of consciousness. Joining the show is a returning guest from the Dreams episode who every time she dreams, she is lucid but in a very interesting way.
Rock & Roll & The Occult
EHolmes & Watson. Salt & Pepper. Hell, even Sturm und Drang- there are some classic combinations in this world. Rock 'n Roll & The Occult just seems natural. Although a relatively recent musical form, less than a century, the dalliances of the diabolical with Rock music were there nearly from the beginning. The combination of drums, guitars and a hollering vocals seem the very thing that the Occult offers in some way as well- Powerful, animal, and emotive. Yet the story of Rock and the Occult has been told many times before by many people. In this Episode of WMiT we examine a few of the lesser known features of this story, as well as some music that seems rather less than obvious. Joining me on this dizzying journey is Songwriter and Musician Kue Varo. Give'r.
Grimoires with Alexander Cummins
EKept safe in many Special Collections around the world are very odd and very special Books. They are filled with interesting content- Invocations, Evocations, Prayers, Spells as well as odd diagrams. These are Grimoires- A Magician's textbook and are used for many purposes such as divination, crafting talismans, herbs and stones, as well as how to summon Demons, Angels, Spirits and other entities. Joining this episode to discuss these fascinating and incredible documents is the Scholar, Author and Modern Cunning Man Dr. Alexander Cummins!
Astrology with Becca Tarnas
EWithout a doubt, the last 5 years has seen a resurgence of interest in the Celestial Art of Astrology. At base, Astrology is looking at the positions of celestial bodies like the planets and stars, in order to divine information relevant to the past, the present and the future. A discipline unto itself, to say that Astrology was important in ages past is a vast understatement. On this episode of WMiT? we are joined by Scholar, Author and Consulting Astrologer Dr. Becca Tarnas, whose views and eloquence on Astrology are both breathtaking and informative. For those who are weary or have yet to look into Astrology, there can be no better introduction than this episode.
Austin Osman Spare
EStarting off the New Year with a Titan of Magic. Austin Osman Spare means many things to many people. For some, he was an extremely talented Artist whose antisocial behaviour and unwillingness to compromise left him forgotten by the art world. For others, he is the grandfather of sigil magic; a fiercely independent occultist who came up with his own system of magic which was considered revolutionary long after he passed away. Chances are we will never get the full story of the magic of Austin Osman Spare, but we are able to look back and see that his story is not what it seems.
The Luminous Mind of Jeffrey Kripal
EIf you dismiss the humanities, you dismiss the prophets among you... Perhaps no other contemporary figure's ideas are brought up more in WMiT? than Dr. Jeffrey Kripal. His work is the stuff which fuels much of my thinking about the paranormal, the supernatural and extraordinary experience. Always with a comparative eye, Dr. Kripal not only looks into the past and the present, but also has his gaze fixed on the future; on what could be awaiting us if we only allow ourselves to tell each other the stories of what we experience.
The Timely Ideas of Eric Wargo
EWhat if you could see aspects of your future merely by being asleep? What if the unconscious mind was in some way prophetic? What if precognition and psi effects are memories of your future experiences; something you premember? In this Episode of WMiT? I am joined by a guest whose ideas I have mentioned numerous times on the Podcast- Dr. Eric Wargo. His book Time Loops has been one of my greatest reading experiences of the last decade, and he's only getting started.
Ancestors with Chiron Armand
EWe all have them. Or, do they have us? The Tapestry of life is a complex web of family, lineage and blood. Their struggles and triumphs are yours as well. For many beginning in Magic, the idea of Ancestors and their elevation does not seem like the most interesting aspect to start practicing, but many these days are making a case that starting with ancestors is beyond beneficial. Joining WMiT? is a man who is well versed in the realm of the restless dead and how it applies to your health and well-being, Mr. Chiron Armand. Your ancestors aren't going anywhere, do not waste this opportunity.
Hermetic Magic with Sam Block
ESince 2011, my guest Sam Block, also known as Polyphanes, has written well over 1.5 Million words on his Blog, The Digital Ambler. Having found his work in late 2013, I loved his passion and process regarding such texts as the Corpus Hermeticum and the Greek Magical Papyri. In this episode of WMiT? I finally get to pick his brain about some of my favourite aspects of magic, his process and how he tackles such things as using Barbarous names, substituting ingredients, even prayer. The Magical Mindscape of Polyphanes is on full display.
Charles Fort
EFish falling from the sky. People disappearing from one area only to be found in another. People igniting on fire for no reason. Such phenomena was finally given a voice in the early 20th Century all thanks to one man- Charles Fort. The word 'Fortean' is used by some to describe this phenomena but the thing is, cataloguing strange instances when reality seems to get weird should not be the only thing that Charles Fort is known for. The man who invented the Supernatural (a term Charles despised) has much insight into the odd currents of our reality and deserves a bit more respect, especially as things start to get much more strange.
Kabbalah
EWhere does one even begin? Kabbalah has been marked down as one of if not the foundational Element of the Western Magical Tradition. It has also been marked down as a much maligned and misused Judaic Esoteric Tradition; a beautiful and vast tradition that was passed from master to student. Suffice to say, a lot of what passes for Modern Magic is inspired in some way by what is called Hermetic and/or Practical Kabbalah. In this episode of What Magic is This? Doug is joined by Tanin to share some insights as well as their individual takes on Kabbalah.
Drugs & Magic with Danny Nemu
EIt probably didn't take us humans very long to discover that certain plants and fungi, when we interacted with them or ingested them- would cause strange effects. Sometimes terrifying, sometimes prophetic, often exhilarating- Drugs and our dalliances with them have intrigued and enthralled us for longer than we've been recording history. Many would say that these substances and spirituality are intrinsically linked in many ways. Of course, Magicians and Witches have utilized this to great effect as well. It goes without saying, WMiT? had to bring on someone who can elucidate our fascination with Drugs and Magic like no other- The Reverend Danny Nemu.
Journeying with Wren Collier
ESomething available to each and every one of us is a capacity to explore strange worlds, dimensions, and realms. This can be as simple as having a dream each night, to as complex and unusual as a full-blown Out of Body Experience. While some would argue that this is merely just an act of Imagination, to those who Journey often such an explanation seems as far away from the truth as anything could possibly be. Joining the show to share some knowledge is a luminous soul who has Out of Body Experiences often- Wren Collier.
Necromancy
E'But Dead Men tell no Tales, they say! Except old tales that burn away the stifling tapestries of day. Old Tales of life, of love and hate, of time and space, and will, and fate.' Western magic has recently seen a revitalization of the Practice of Necromancy- Divination, Invocation, Evocation and Communication with Spirits of the Dead. Most likely, Necromancy has its origins in Ancestor veneration but came to be something more. Cultures around the world have their own forms of Necromantic Interaction, yet death and the more than human world in the west has never been more distant than right now. Let 'er RIP.
Hear Me Out... The Patreon Episode
EThe Time has come. It was bound to happen. Now, you will have the chance to support me (your host- Douglas!) and my work with the Podcast. In this Episode of WMiT? I go through some of my thoughts on starting a Patreon account, the reasons for doing so, why one should join, what might be on the Patreon and More! Speaking from the heart, this is not an episode to skip; Hear me out... Support my Flourishing on Patreon or if you Enjoyed the Episode, Toss Me a Coin or Two.
Animism with Gordon White
EOne is constantly surprised by the world and universe we find ourselves in. Every Ecosystem seems to overflow with life, be it forest, desert, tundra, even cities. The longer one sticks with Magic, the more it seems like the whole Universe is somehow alive. Yet despite things we can identify as certainly being alive, perhaps some of the denizens of the ecosystem we say clearly aren't alive- actually are, including the ecosystem itself. This is Animism. In this Episode of WMiT?, Doug is joined by Gordon White of Rune Soup to hash out the ultimate epistemology of Magic. The world is haunted with Spirit and Life, time to see it that way. Support my Flourishing on Patreon or if you Enjoyed the Episode, Toss Me a Coin or Two.
Spirits with Aidan Wachter
EMany Magicians would say that one of the most important aspects of Magic is interacting with 'Spiritual Creatures.' The idea of Spirits being a part of this world and that there could be a 'Spirit World' has been with us far longer than it has not. Of course, the prevailing worldview of the last 300 years has done a fairly good job of attempting to demolish the idea that spirits have ever existed. Yet Spirits (or at least belief in them) has never gone away. In this Episode of WMiT? we are doing something a little bit different. To talk all things Spirit, we are joined by author and Dirt-Sorcerer Aidan Wachter. Support my Flourishing on Patreon or if you Enjoyed the Episode, Toss Me a Coin or Two.
Ancient Greek Magic
EThe Greeks have a legacy in many areas of Modern Western culture- from Politics, to theatre, to philosophy and medicine. And of course- Magic, as it is from the Greeks that we get the word 'Magic.' Their stories are absolutely suffused with Magic, Gods and sorcerous characters, adding much to their mythical culture; The Greeks lived in a Magical world of Gods, Myths and the restless Dead. In this Episode of WMiT? Doug and his guest Eva go through some of the ways that the Greeks used Magic and how it is very familiar in many ways. Support my Flourishing on Patreon or if you Enjoyed the Episode, Toss Me a Coin or Two.
Chaos Magic Part II
EOn our second voyage into the azure waters, we dive into conversations and currents of Chaos. Firstly we talk about the Philosopher King of Magic, one Ramsey Dukes. From here we sail about on the winds of a few Chaos Magic orders and groups, ever pondering if there ever really was a Chaos Magic movement. My guest for this episode Saul sheds some light on an online Magical current that for a time burned bright but now only seems to flicker. Of course, WMiT? cannot merely have only a two-parter on Chaos magic, but for a time we will drop anchor. Support my Flourishing on Patreon or if you Enjoyed the Episode, Toss Me a Coin or Two.
Chaos Magic Part I
ELate 1970's England. An iconoclastic group of misfit Magicians got tired of the same old story that in order for Magic to work, one had to be a part of a Tradition and go through necessary steps. To this they said 'Nonsense! All one needs is belief and how one utilizes that belief for it to work!' They thus birthed the first form of Postmodern Magic that was based entirely off of Results- Chaos Magic. Baked into this movement and the Chaos toolkit was a pragmatism that if the Ritual or Spell worked, it was kept and modified, if it didn't work it was discarded and something else was attempted. In this first Episode of perhaps a series of episodes, Doug and his Sorcerous guest Gaius provide a short yet succinct introduction to the world of Chaos Magic. Support my Flourishing on Patreon or if you Enjoyed the Episode, Toss Me a Coin or Two.
Emanuel Swedenborg
For a time, Emanuel Swedenborg was a name that many in Europe and America were familiar with. These days, very few have even heard the name and those who have, the words 'Madness' or 'Liar' are not behind. Called by Ralph Waldo Emerson 'A Mastodon of Literature' the work and life of Swedenborg are indeed extraordinary. From his odd inventions, Life philosophy and his mystical experiences, there is much to learn from 'The Scandinavian Da Vinci.' So we head back to the Fools Gallery, to explore and introduce a figure that Doug feels should get a bit more recognition within the Occult than what he currently has. Support my Flourishing on Patreon or if you Enjoyed the Episode, Toss Me a Coin or Two.
Materialism
EWe live in an observable, measurable world; one built of the smallest bits of matter. And so we live our lives thinking for the most part, that this is the reality of everything- that the only thing that matters, is matter. Yet for a dominant social paradigm, Materialism & Physicalism has a hard time with a few things, especially those things which is says doesn't exist because it cannot explain it. In this episode of What Magic is This? we take a page out of the Materialism rulebook and start to take it apart, bit by bit. Support my Flourishing on Patreon or if you Enjoyed the Episode, Toss Me a Coin or Two.
Mental Health & The Magician
EDepression, high anxiety, addiction and other mental health issues effect a huge number of us. Many are looking for answers or ways that we can get better or deal with these afflictions ourselves. How does Magic and the Occult intersect with such things? Are there similarities, and if so- what can we learn from them? The amount of internal pain that many of us carry with us each day is difficult to deal with, but there are ways in which we can get help as well as create help. On this extremely personal episode of WMiT?, Douglas has his first ever guest Andre, back on the show to discuss. Fair warning- This episode may have somewhat triggering segments in it. Support my Flourishing on Patreon or if you Enjoyed the Episode, Toss Me a Coin or Two.
The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn Part II
EThe Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn was finished. However, much of their mystique was only just beginning. With the publication of their Rites and Rituals by Israel Regardie, the secrets of this Magical Order were finally revealed to the world. As for the world of the Golden Dawn, it was one of Kabbalah, of Divine Will and one that believed that all things that were manifest on earth was somehow connected to one another through correspondences. Yet what effect did the Golden Dawn have on Magic after their dissolution? In the conclusion to this two-parter, Douglas goes through all of the consequences and positive virtues of this short-lived but infamous Magical Order. Support my Flourishing on Patreon or if you Enjoyed the Episode, Toss Me a Coin or Two.
The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn Part I
EThere is no other Magical Order that has done as much to shape people's perceptions of Magic than The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. From the practical use of Tarot, to the emphasis of Kabbalah, to the idea of initiation into Magic- all of this was a consequence of this short-lived magical group. In the first of a two-part episode, Douglas puts forward some notion of what magical ideas were around before the Golden Dawn and what was the story of their history, with a spotlight on a few key figures. Gather 'round Fraters and Sorors. It's Storytime. Support my Flourishing on Patreon or if you Enjoyed the Episode, Toss Me a Coin or Two.
The 4th Dimension
EAsk anyone what they think the 4th Dimension is and most likely they will say that it is Time. Which is true, in some sense. But the 4th Dimension is more; so much more. It could be the lattice around which everything that has, is, and will happen- happens. The obsession with looking at higher dimensions and other worlds began in earnest in fin-de-siecle Victorian England. With figures such as Edwin Abbott and Charles Howard Hinton, people started to look closer at a dimension that we couldn't see, but perhaps we could very well experience. On this Episode on WMiT? Doug and guest Amber tackle a topic that might have ramifications as to how you see your life, and perhaps how you orchestrate it as well. Very Special thanks to Dr. Eric Wargo for his help and materials assisting in the creation of this Loopy Episode. Support my Flourishing on Patreon or if you Enjoyed the Episode, Toss Me a Coin or Two.
Sigils
EWhat if I told you that you could have certain desires manifest in your life with a few seemingly simple steps? What if things in your life could change to meet with your aspirations both physical and mental? A somewhat recent weapon in the Magicians arsenal, Sigils are pictographic representation of an outcome that you desire. Their possibilities are seemingly endless, from creation to activation to disposing of them. Sigils go to the core of magic in many ways and are great evidence that symbolic thinking is indeed Magical. In this Episode of What Magic is This? Douglas is joined by fellow Magician and host of Pragmagick Podcast Keats Ross to talk about those weirdly wonderful squiggly lines. Support my Flourishing on Patreon or if you Enjoyed the Episode, Toss Me a Coin or Two.
The Marvellous Magical World of Alan Moore
EResiding in the heart of England lives one of the most notorious Wizards of the last 100 years. A Wizard who has not only seen the future, but some say has had a hand in crafting it. Conjuring characters that are as timeless as his ideas, there does not seem much that is beyond this Sorcerer's Magic. We are talking about Northampton's own Mr. Alan Moore. Widely considered the greatest writer of comic books in the history of the medium, Alan is beloved and feared in equal measures. Besides acknowledging that he is a Magician, not too many are aware of what Alan's Magical world looks like. In this Episode of WMiT? Douglas and Eric delve into the Marvellous Magical World of Alan Moore. Support my Flourishing on Patreon or if you Enjoyed the Episode, Toss Me a Coin or Two.
The Two-Way Mirror
EIn the Prologue to my Podcast, I talked about experiences; occurrences that happened to us all but were extraordinary in a way, something 'other' than normal. Aliens, Ghosts and Spirits are all somewhat common when these things happen. But what exactly is going on during these events? Is there some way that we can think about them that is useful to us? Perhaps there is a metaphor that could give us some kind of perspective? There is. For this, we will need to look through both sides of the Two-Way Mirror. Support my Flourishing on Patreon or if you Enjoyed the Episode, Toss Me a Coin or Two.
Rosaleen Norton
EAnother soul lurking around the Fools Gallery. This time, we introduce The Witch of Kings Cross- Rosaleen Norton. Kicked out of school for having a 'Depraved Nature which could corrupt the others' Rosaleen always did things her own way. Influenced by Aleister Crowley and other occultists, Ms. Norton crafted some amazing art from her Magic. She was devoted to the Greek God Pan, the earth's true god- her residence completely adorned with altars to such deities. To many she was a kind, intellectual eccentric, to many others a corrupter of decency. On this Episode of WMiT, we take a peek at an often neglected Occult figure, and a wonderful artist as well. Support my Flourishing on Patreon or if you Enjoyed the Episode, Toss Me a Coin or Two.
Colin Wilson
EIt became clear very early on in Colin Wilson's life that there was one thing that he had to do for the world. Write. An author of over a hundred books, he was incredibly prolific. But Colin considered himself a philosopher. What kind of Philosopher? He called it New Existentialism- a way for each of us to be responsible for our gift of consciousness. Colin saw that what was missing in a lot of people's lives is meaning, but that our idea of meaning in the world was incorrect. Colin sought to remedy this single-handedly. A worthy and welcome addition to the Fools Gallery. Support my Flourishing on Patreon or if you Enjoyed the Episode, Toss Me a Coin or Two.
Neoplatonism
EEver met a Neoplatonist before the 19th Century? Me neither. The term was cast on a load of figures from the 3rd Century onwards. Using the philosophy of Plato, Neoplatonists came up with a sort of Unified Field Theory for how existence works. Without a doubt one of the most influential philosophies to the world of the esoteric and the occult. But how does it work? What view of the world does it propose? In this Episode, Doug and Dominique get their hands quite dirty going through a philosophy that needs to be looked at a little bit closer. Support my Flourishing on Patreon or if you Enjoyed the Episode, Toss Me a Coin or Two.
Cartomancy
EAfter Astrology, the second most popular form of divination is Cartomancy. For over 500 years, we have turned to cards to show us how things were, are and what might be. Cards used include the Tarot, Oracle Cards, Lenormand Cards, and good ol' fashioned Playing Cards. But how did this come about? More importantly, how do you do it? In this episode of WMiT? Doug breaks it down with the assistance of a good friend, Brad. The cards tell stories to those willing to see them and one hopes by the end of this episode, that's everyone. Support my Flourishing on Patreon or if you Enjoyed the Episode, Toss Me a Coin or Two.
The Greek Magical Papyri
EScattered across many museums, there are scrolls of Papyrus from the Early Common Era. Strange documents filled with spells of all kinds, formulae, prayers, hymns, rituals and rites. Their influences are all over the place- Egyptian, Greek, Jewish, Babylonian, Coptic even Gnostic and Christian. They are called the Greek Magical Papyri. Amazing documents that give us a glimpse into how magic was performed for a period of time, even though many of the spells date from much further back. Their existence is Miraculous. In this episode of WMiT, Doug is joined by Matthew to discuss a kind of magic that the host uses on a near weekly basis- Graeco-Egyptian Magic! Support my Flourishing on Patreon or if you Enjoyed the Episode, Toss Me a Coin or Two.
Agrippa's Fourth Book of Occult Philosophy - Guest Appearance on The Arnemancy Podcast
EContinuing with our deep dive on Cornelius Agrippa, this time around the tables are turned and Doug is the Guest. The Arnemancy Podcast is Hosted by Reverend Erik, in which he discusses topics with many magically inclined folks. In this specific Episode, we toss around aspects of a book which may or may not have been written by Agrippa- The Fourth Book of Occult Philosophy. Usually overshadowed by Agrippa's Three Books of Occult Philosophy, Erik and Doug attempt to make a strong case for this strange document, one that needs to be seen as a vital occult work, and in Doug's opinion- More functionally important than the Three Books. Support my Flourishing on Patreon or if you Enjoyed the Episode, Toss Me a Coin or Two.
Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa
EOccultist. Theologian. Mercenary. Soldier. Physician. Spy. Scholar. Legal Expert. Peripatetic Polymath. Prisoner. Heretic. Certainly someone who lived a full life, Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa looms large over the Occult, and is an obvious addition to the Fools Gallery. He is certainly one of the Titans of Magic, anyone seriously interested in the Occult must give Agrippa his due. In one book (or three) De Occulta Philosophia, it was Agrippa's contention that there could be a synthetic vision of magic whereby the natural world combined with the Celestial and the Divine. On this Episode, Douglas is joined by Reverend Erik from Arnemancy; another fantastic Podcast, where we try to unspool the influence of the Knight Wizard that is Agrippa. Support my Flourishing on Patreon or if you Enjoyed the Episode, Toss Me a Coin or Two.
Alchemy
EThe quest of turning lead into Gold, this was the aim of the Alchemist. But was this seen as being something practical, or was it a journey to become enlightened? Broadly speaking, Alchemy was actually comprised of many different pursuits to many different people at many different junctures of history. For a time, it captured the imagination of many throughout Europe, and it still does to this day. Practically, it was an antecedent to chemistry and science. Philosophically, it promised the practician enlightenment. Is it still a worthy pursuit today; still worthy of study? Support my Flourishing on Patreon or if you Enjoyed the Episode, Toss Me a Coin or Two.
Ancient Egyptian Magic
EThis episode is coming in swift as a greyhound, quick as light. Ancient Egypt has kept us enthralled for centuries. From the childlike curiosity of their culture, Gods and architectural marvels to the miraculous perspective of everyday life. One force weaved everything together from the beginning of their civilization to the end- Magic. The rites uttered to a freshly wrapped Mummy, to the ceremonies carried out to ensoul a God's statue, an understanding of the Sanctity of all things was paramount. What can we learn from the Ancient Egyptians? Much, it seems. On this episode of WMiT? Doug gets to talk at Karen about one of his greatest (and longest-held) obsessions. Support my Flourishing on Patreon or if you Enjoyed the Episode, Toss Me a Coin or Two.
The Devil
EHow art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! Everybody has an image in their mind of the Devil. What he means, what he represents, where he is now. Though the Devil exists in many cultures differently, Christianity seems to have a monopoly on the Devil and his handiwork. Yet up until the 12th Century, the Devil was seen as a somewhat small part of Christianity. This changed dramatically and the Devil became God's awesome opponent, the church warning people that they should reject the Devil and all of his works. A topic that goes to the heart of the Occult, Doug and MJ go through the Devil and his details. Support my Flourishing on Patreon or if you Enjoyed the Episode, Toss Me a Coin or Two.
The Necronomicon
EPerhaps the most notorious Grimoire (Book of Spells) of all time. Occultists and scholars fear this book and the magic within. Known as Al Azif, it was transcribed or received by Abdul Alhazred in the 9th Century. Only five copies of this mysterious text exist, and it is certain that those who study these documents either go mad or come to regret their decision shortly after. In this episode, Doug and Clay crack open the most stygian document of all time. Support my Flourishing on Patreon or if you Enjoyed the Episode, Toss Me a Coin or Two.
New Thought
ECan your thoughts change reality, specifically yours? Are there laws within this universe that dictate that you attract to yourself what you send out into the universe? Can thinking positive thoughts all the time change your world? Such ideas are so prevalent today that we seem to have forgotten where they came from, a late 19th century movement called New Thought. On this episode of WMiT it's time to go through perhaps the single biggest American Contribution to the world of the Occult. Support my Flourishing on Patreon or if you Enjoyed the Episode, Toss Me a Coin or Two.
Meditation
ESit Down. Shut up. Follow the Breath. Over the last 40 years, there has been quite a bit of scientific inquiry into the benefits of a technique that is utilized by many cultures and religions around the world. Science aside, Meditation is often one of the first things that an occult aspirant is directed to do. On this episode of WMiT? Doug and Avaah discuss, with a focus on Meditation within the Western Esoteric Tradition. Support my Flourishing on Patreon or if you Enjoyed the Episode, Toss Me a Coin or Two.
William Blake
EReturning to the Fools Gallery, Doug is joined by Tara to discuss one of his favourite people of all time. William Blake was seen as an eccentric loner both during his life and after. However, William considered himself a visionary and a prophet. Woefully ignored during his lifetime, since his death some of his poems and paintings are seen as being among some of the greatest of all time. Blake was certainly inspired, his visions fused into his art and always with the ambition of reminding mankind of its true place- The Imagination. Support my Flourishing on Patreon or if you Enjoyed the Episode, Toss Me a Coin or Two.
Secret Societies
ECan you keep a secret? Sure ya can... For centuries, groups of people (usually men) met in secret, planning certain actions to their advantage. They created initiatory rites, ceremonies and a hierarchy within their group. These would be unknown to the public, unless you were a member of course. Such behaviour lends itself to conspiracy very easily. On this Episode of WMiT?, I am joined by fellow Podcaster Gabriel as we dig in to the world of Secret Societies and their works. What would those works be? Just the world as it exists right now, no less.... Support my Flourishing on Patreon or if you Enjoyed the Episode, Toss Me a Coin or Two.
Day of the Dead
EStarting in the evening of November 1st and carrying through until November 2nd, many Mexicans will visit the graves of their departed friends and family. This is Dia de los Muertos; The Day of The Dead. Every year, this celebration of ancestral veneration is observed throughout the country. How did it come about? What is the reason for it? Join Douglas for a very special, very personal episode of What Magic is This? Support my Flourishing on Patreon or if you Enjoyed this Episode, Toss a Coin or two my way.
Magic Tools
EWhat would a wizard be without the wand? What's a witch without the cauldron? On this episode of What Magic is This? we delve into Magic Tools, the instruments and objects that a Magician needs and uses to aid in their spells and rituals. Usually the tools a magician has are technique specific, but are there some that no magician should be without? Doug and Kyle engage in a more conversational episode of WMiT, one that might have a trick-or-treat-or-two up its sleeve. Support my Flourishing on Patreon or if you Enjoyed this Episode, Toss a Coin or two my way.
Aleister Crowley's Liber 777
EIf there is one Occult book that is omnipresent, in bookshops and on a Magicians bookshelf, it would be Aleister Crowley's Liber 777. A book of correspondences that showcase the exchange between Kabbalism, Gods, Elements, Planets and many many more. But how did these correspondences come about? How did the book come to be made? How is the book to be used Magically? Doug goes through all this and his opinion of the book that seems to be considered The Only Occult Book a Magician Needs! Support my Flourishing on Patreon or if you Enjoyed this Episode, Toss a Coin or two my way.
Dreams
EWe all have them. Each time we go to sleep, something odd occurs. While our eyes may be closed and we are certainly unconscious- it is almost as if our brain is awake. At this point, we are in the Dream Realm. Through the generations, each culture has attached certain functions to dreaming. Yet with all of our knowledge, there still is no consensus as to the purpose of dreams. Countless theories exist, but one of them is certainly incorrect- That dreams themselves are basically insignificant. On this episode of What Magic is This? I am joined by seasoned Oneironaut Marlin to discuss perhaps the most beautiful natural gift we have. Support my Flourishing on Patreon or if you Enjoyed this Episode, Toss a Coin or two my way.