Jake Stratton-Kent's Night School | Erzebet Barthold
May 8, 2024
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Erzebet Barthold and Jake Stratton-Kent discuss goetia, sublunar, and English Qaballa in relation to Jake's final volume. They reminisce about Jake's ideas, influences, and contributions to the occult world. The conversation provides insights into Jake's legacy and the impact of his work on future generations.
Jake Stratton-Kent emphasized reviving Western magical traditions by comparing practitioner experiences globally.
In 'Night School II', Jake explored the sub-lunar realm, intertwining shamanism with Western magic.
Jake's legacy as a prominent figure in magical literature ensures his enduring impact on future generations.
Deep dives
Jake's Contributions to Restoring Living Traditions in the West
Jake Stratton-Kent's work focused on restoring living traditions in the Western magical community. He envied and respected New World traditions for being living traditions, contrasting with the perceived lack in the West. His curiosity led him to explore and compare practitioner experiences globally, aiming to elevate these traditions to a level of equal comparison. Jake's emphasis on restoring a living tradition in the West and his respectful approach to diverse magical traditions set the foundation for a renewed interest in reviving Western magical practices.
Impact of Jake's Characterization of the Sub-Lunar Realm
In his last book, Jake Stratton-Kent delved into the sub-lunar realm, providing a meticulous and essential characterization that resonated deeply with practitioners. This exploration offered a unique perspective on how shamanism and Western magical traditions could intertwine harmoniously. Jake's detailed depiction of the sub-lunar realm in 'Night School II: Cyprian's Office of the Spirits' became a cornerstone for understanding the essence of spirit work and magic.
Legacy and Enduring Influence of Jake Stratton-Kent
Looking ahead, Jake Stratton-Kent's legacy is set to endure as a prominent figure in magical literature and practice. His profound impact on modern practitioners, coupled with his innovative approach to restoring magical traditions, ensures his place on altars and in the minds of future generations. Jake's pioneering work in comparative practitioner experiences and his humble yet insightful contributions to understanding the Western magical heritage position him as a significant figure for aspiring magicians and researchers for years to come.
Rewilding Western Magic
The podcast delves into Jake's polemical stance towards the rewilding and revitalization of Western magic in his later years. Jake advocated for a rejuvenation of what he deemed as stagnant magical traditions, emphasizing the importance of breathing new life into ancient practices. He challenged conventional historical perspectives by proposing a need for a fresh approach to Western magic, drawing inspiration from cunning traditions and village healing practices.
Exploring English Cabala
The episode highlights Jake's fascination and defense of English Cabala, particularly EQ (English Cabala) and its mystical elements. Through discussions on the book of the law and Crowley's influence, Jake gravitated towards the enigmatic nature of English Cabala. He encouraged exploration into the magical tech embedded in these ancient texts, prompting a reconsideration of traditional magical practices and the realness of spirits in magical endeavors.
Hadean Press's Erzebet Barthold returns to the show this week, on the occasion of the release of Cyprian's Offices of the Spirits -the posthumously published final volume in Jake Stratton-Kent's Night School.
We talk about goetia, we talk about the sublunar, we talk about English Qaballa -all the Jake hits, really.
And, inevitably, we reminisce about the man himself:
His main ideas and contributions.
Who influenced him and who he influenced.
What future generations will make of his work.
Who he was as a friend and a person.
All in all, a lovely chat, and especially timely as the snappily-titled premium member course Grimoires: Our Greek Inheritance (The Jake Edit) starts this weekend!