Andrew B. Watt discusses visions of the future and how magicians and wizards can prepare. They explore competing ideas of John Michael Greer and Gordon White, as well as Jupiter-Saturn astrological cycles. They emphasize human agency, positive change, and cyclic history. The podcast also covers Western business suits, astrology predictions, studying various subjects for magic, limitations of methodologies, herbal medicine, and the importance of building a network and community in witchcraft and magic.
Having a broad range of knowledge beyond just occult subjects is crucial for practicing magic in uncertain times.
Being adaptable and proficient in various areas is crucial for preparing for unpredictable future scenarios.
Acquiring diverse and practical skills, including leadership, agriculture, and herbal medicine, is important for magicians and individuals to be resourceful and helpful within their communities.
Deep dives
Competing Visions of the Future
In a recent podcast episode, the speakers discuss competing visions of the future from a magical perspective. Gordon White presents an optimistic view, envisioning a multi-planetary civilization within the next few decades. On the other hand, John Michael Greer predicts a long decline into a world lit only by fire, emphasizing resource depletion and the lack of a viable plan for fixing societal issues. Austin Coppock offers a middle-ground approach based on astrology, highlighting the shifting exercise of power and the importance of understanding elemental cycles.
Skills and Knowledge for Magicians
The podcast delves into the skills and knowledge required for practicing magic in uncertain times. The hosts explore the relevance of the Picatrix, an ancient text, which emphasizes the need for magicians to possess a broad range of knowledge beyond just occult subjects. These skills include agriculture, travel, governing people, leading soldiers, commanding armies, commerce, rhetoric, logic, medicine, natural philosophy, and metaphysics. The speakers highlight the importance of understanding modern technology, having practical skills like fire-building and fermentation, and cultivating a network of like-minded individuals.
Preparing for an Uncertain Future
The podcast episode discusses the significance of being prepared for unpredictable future scenarios. Whether it's John Michael Greer's vision of a decline into a wood fire-lit world or Gordon White's optimism about a multi-planetary civilization, being adaptable and proficient in various areas is crucial. The hosts emphasize the need for learning practical skills, such as agriculture, survival techniques, and ensuring a good network of contacts. They stress the importance of being knowledgeable about the workings of the world, whether it's in understanding how money functions or having a grasp of modern technology. Ultimately, the episode encourages magicians to equip themselves with a diverse skill set and be ready for whatever the future holds.
The importance of continuity in writing systems
The podcast episode discusses the significance of continuity in writing systems. It mentions a story where a tour guide in China was able to read a carved stone tablet from 700 B.C., highlighting the continuity and understanding that comes from characters being preserved over thousands of years. This stands in contrast to alphabetic writing systems that prioritize fast transmission of information but may not ensure long-term storage. The episode raises concerns about the impermanence of digital storage and the potential loss of information in the future.
Skills for a changing world
The episode emphasizes the importance for magicians and individuals to acquire diverse and practical skills. It suggests that being knowledgeable in various areas, including leadership, public speaking, agriculture, herbal medicine, logic, philosophy, and historical knowledge, can be valuable in different situations. The discussion highlights the need for hands-on skills that are useful both in the modern world and during potential societal collapses. Learning a range of skills allows individuals to be resourceful, adaptable, and helpful within their communities.
Andrew B. Watt joins me on this podcast episode to discuss various visions of the future and how we as magicians, occultists, and wizards can prepare for the future -- any future! In particular, we discuss the competing ideas of John Michael Greer and Gordon White, futures both pessimistic and optimistic. We also take a look at the 200 and 800 year Jupiter-Saturn cycles proposed by noted astrologer Austin Coppock. How valid are any of these future predictions and what can we do to get ready?
Andrew B. Watt is a blogger in the northeastern United States. He and I first talked about sewing and magic on episode 48 of My Alchemical Bromance, and he convinced me that I should make my magical robe during that conversation.
This conversation was a blast. Andrew is a great thinker and we really dive into some current topics in a way I'm not sure this podcast has ever explored before. Let us know what you think in the comments -- and in the meantime, here are some links!
Recommended reading before diving into this episode is book 4, chapter 5 of the Picatrix -- yes, ultimate nerds that we are, our entire discussion about your future does end up rooted in an ancient book on pagan Arabian astrological wizard junk. Enjoy!
