Right Where You Are Sitting Now

Like two Universal monsters plucked out of their era, Ken and Mark rise from the grave of podcast absence to explore the Occulture. Our returning guest this week is one of our favourites; the wonderful Carl Abrahamson returns to discuss the wider Occulture drawing from his book of the same name. This week we discuss: What has kept the Occult so vibrant up until now, the psychology of the Occulture, The Occult in pop culture and much more. Joining me from behind a veil of mystical light is Mar(c)k Satyr Check out Carl’s amazing work on the the Occulture Main theme by Simon Smerdon (Mothboy) Music bed by chriszabriskie.com Carl Abrahamsson Biography: I write fiction, and also material about the arts & entertainment, esoteric history, occulture, as well as artist portraits for the international market. I also lecture on all of the mentioned subjects at art schools, universities, events, symposia and conferences. I also work with filmmaking, in publishing, photography and music. For a quick overview, here are some links: https://www.carlabrahamsson.com

This week Ken and Mark find themselves stranded on a nudist desert island … wait….ok I can explain! This week we sit down with Thelemic novelist, Former actor, keen nudist and an executive member of the UK Ordo Templi Orientis, Trevor Gray. This week we discuss: The esoteric journey, writing Thelema-tinged novels, The culture of nudism, and much more.   Joining me on the deserted desert island this week (hopefully fully clothed), is Marck Satyr. Main theme by Simon Smerdon (Mothboy) Music bed by chriszabriskie.com Get Trevor’s books: From Manhood to Godhead on Amazon A Whisper in the Silence on Amazon Trevor Gray Bio: ‘A Whisper in the Silence’ is Trevor’s second novel. His first, ‘From Manhood to Godhead – The Many Lives of Jean Vassar,’ took him over fifteen years to complete and has received excellent reviews. Trevor took early retirement to concentrate on writing, having spent his entire working life in the world of Showbusiness. As a teenager, he played the drums in local pop bands and gigged briefly as a stand-up comedian. Professionally, he initially worked as an actor, after training at London’s Webber-Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art, but went on to become a popular personality Disc Jockey in the 1970’s for the Rank Organisation in Brighton. After running a Voice-Over ageny in London’s West End, he moved into Theatre Management, where he worked very successfully for twenty-eight years as Operations Manager for three theatres and a cinema in Worthing. He has been happily married to former actress, Rosemary Faith, for over forty years, both sharing a love of travel and of all things esoteric. Trevor has also had a long interest in traditional circus, plus the conservation of Primates, especially the Great Apes.

SittingNow sets foot into alternate realms and discovers a secret meeting of Occult forces. Join us around the fire as we sit down with author Kelden to explore the mysterious Witches Sabbath. This week we discuss: The tangled roots of the Witches Sabbath, The unlikely victims of the Witchcraft myth, myopic stalky nymphs, and much more. Joining me in the Otherworld is Marck Satyr Main theme by Simon Smerdon (Mothboy) Music bed by chriszabriskie.com Kelden's book is available now. Kelden Biography: Hello, my name is Kelden. I am a therapist, writer, Youtuber, and Witch (among many other things). My personal practice, as well as my writing, is largely influenced by both historical and folkloric Witchcraft. This blog is intended to be an ongoing account of my Craft, in terms of my personal experiences, what I’ve learned, and what I am still learning. Topics of particular interests of mine include Scottish Witchlore, Familiar Spirits, Wortcunning, and Hedge-Crossing. I currently live in Northern Minnesota. I hold a graduate degree in Marriage and Family Therapy as well as two undergraduate degrees in Human Services and Psychology. Besides writing my other hobbies include reading, painting, hiking, gardening, and playing ukulele. You can contact me at keldenmercury@gmail.com Instagram: keldenmercury YouTube channel: youtube.com/KeldenMercury Source: https://www.patheos.com/blogs/byathameandstang/  

This week we pull back the mask of the shadowy group that has so captured the imaginations of conspirasphere for so long…that’s right, we’re finally doing a show on the Illuminati…well, the real one anyway. Our secret hooded guide into the labyrinths of hidden Bavaria this week is the excellent Jon E. Graham, author, artist, translator and member of the Inner Traditions team. This week we discuss: Just who is Adam Weishaupt, what did the actual Illuminati get up to, what were their rituals and initiations, and why have the group managed to obtain such legendary status amongst the paranoid? Joining me in the infernal co-host chair this week is the highest of Secret Chiefs, Marck Satyr. Main theme by Simon Smerdon (Mothboy) Music bed by chriszabriskie.com The Bavarian Illuminati is available now via Inner Traditions. Jon E. Graham Bio  I am an artist, writer and translator currently employed as the acquisitions editor for the publisher Inner Traditions, Bear and Company. Before starting this job, I was a chef, bicycle messenger, factory worker, and bookseller. I have also worked with surrealists in France and the US as well as elsewhere in Europe. https://www.innertraditions.com/author/jon-e-graham

This week Ken and Mark go transatlantic to the state of sunny California and get a lesson on Occult teacher Manly P. Hall. Our guide through the halls of the Philosophical Research Society is the lovely Tamra Lucid, former student, employee and – most importantly – friend of Mr Hall. This week we discuss: Just who is Manly P Hall? What is the Philosophical Research Society? Is Ken Fay curious? Did Mark really perform naked rituals on the Isle of Wight? All this and much more… Joining me in the SittingNow Ennis House of Horrors is Marck Satyr Main theme by Simon Smerdon (Mothboy) Music bed by chriszabriskie.com Check out Tamra’s great book via Inner Traditions. Tamra Lucid Bio: Tamra Lucid is a founding member of the experimental rock band Lucid Nation. She was a writer and editor for Newtopia Magazine and the principal interviewer for the original Reality Sandwich. She has produced documentary films, including Exile Nation: The Plastic People, End of the Line: The Women of Standing Rock, and the award-winning Viva Cuba Libre: Rap Is War. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Ronnie Pontiac. https://www.innertraditions.com/books/making-the-ordinary-extraordinary

This week Ken and Mark stumble back onto the Left-hand Path this time finding refuge in the Temple of Set with author, and former High Priest Don Webb. Join us on an adventure into the world of Setians and Aleister Crowley's Book of the Law. This week we discuss: What exactly is the Left-Hand Path, can Dungeons and Dragon really turn you into a Satanist, Aleister Crowley’s influence on the Temple of Set, and much more. Joining me in the SittingNow king’s chamber is Marck Satyr Main theme by Simon Smerdon (Mothboy) Music bed by chriszabriskie.com Check out Don’s excellent book on today’s subject. Don Webb Bio Ipsissimus Don Webb joined the Temple of Set in 1989 and served as its High Priest from 1996 to 2002. He has written and lectured on Left-Hand Path topics and the occult practices of Late Antiquity since 1995. He lives in Austin, Texas.   Show Comments 

This week we delve into the mother (or brother) of all secret societies, the Freemasons. Although the majority of the society does not accept, or – as we find out – does not even know their esoteric roots, Author Mark Stavish is back to guide us down this fraternal maze, drawing from his great book ‘The Path of Freemasonary’. This week we discuss The esoteric roots of Freemasonry, why conspiracy theorists have such a boner for the society, some of the groups more influential esotericists, and much more. Joining me in SittingNow Inner-order is Mark Satyr Main theme by Simon Smerdon (Mothboy) Music bed by chriszabriskie.com Check out Mark’s book ‘The Path of Freemasonry’ published by Inner Traditions. Mark Stavish Biography: Mark Stavish, the Director of Studies for the Institute for Hermetic Studies, is a life-long student of esotericism with over 25 years experience in comparative religion, philosophy, psychology, and mysticism with emphasis on Traditional Western Esotericism.  His articles have appeared in academic, specialty, and mass market publications specializing in spiritual studies, making Mark one of the leading authorities in Hermeticism today. In addition to being a member and officer of several prominent Rosicrucian and Martinist societies, Mark served as the Director of Research for the Occult Research and Applications Project, of the Philosophers of Nature (PON). The Philosophers of Nature was founded by Jean Dubuis in France in 1979 and for twenty years was the leading resource for practical information on mineral and plant alchemy, as well as qabala.  ORA, a statistically based research wing of the American branch of PON performed detailed exploration into the validity and practicality of various traditional esoteric methods.  Original research from the ORA Project was published in the organization’s journal, The Stone. A graduate of King’s College, in Theology (B.A.), and Communications (B.A.), and  Rhode Island College (Providence), with a Master’s degree in Counseling emphasizing psycho-spiritual modalities and Psychosynthesis, Mark brings a unique blend of tradition with modern research to the application of esoteric philosophy. Professionally, Mark has over 15 years experience in the social service and non-profit fields, and has trained hundreds of social service workers, law enforcement personnel, and mental healthcare providers in areas related to New and Emerging Religions. Mark’s writings have been translated into Turkish, Dutch, French, Swedish, and Portuguese; he has been a media consultant on for BBC Channel 2, and Cinnabar Productions’ documentary, ‘The Occult Reich’ for A&E/History Channel, along with numerous media interviews and editorials.    

We’re back with a devilishly good new episode in which we finally tackle the man, the myth, the legend…Anon Lavey. Our guide into The Black House this week is author, filmmaker, musician and occultist Carl Abrahamsson. This week we dive into all things Lavey with a true expert and discuss: Is Anton Lavey a ‘real occultist’, the celebrity aspect of Lavey’s life, Lavey’s impact on the occult milieu, and much more. Carl has a new book out via our friends at Inner Traditions called ‘Anton Lavey and the Church of Satan’, and we highly recommend it. For the eagle-eyed and perhaps more ‘old-school’ enjoyers of SittingNow, you may remember we made a video with Carl back in 2014 at Scarlet Imprint’s ‘A Pleasure Dome’ event. Why not get a double-dose of Abrahamsson? Main theme by Simon Smerdon (Mothboy) Music bed by chriszabriskie.com Carl Abrahamsson Biography: I write fiction, and also material about the arts & entertainment, esoteric history, occulture, as well as artist portraits for the international market. I also lecture on all of the mentioned subjects at art schools, universities, events, symposia and conferences. I also work with filmmaking, in publishing, photography and music. For a quick overview, here are some links: https://www.carlabrahamsson.com Carl Abramsson Links: TRAPART: My own publishing company with an online store, focusing on art books and editions. TRAPART FILM: A production entity that produces documentary films and features/movies. HIGHBROW LOWLIFE: A music label I run together with my wife, Vanessa Sinclair. Basically an archive for all the music we’ve made together, but there will be new (and old) releases too. PATREON TWITTER FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM    

We return a week late (sorry about that, technical issues) with an esoteric exploration of where British culture, folklore, and the occult intersect. Our guide through the esoteric landscape is the wonderful Andy Sharp of English Heretic. This week we explore: Cinematic curses, Psychogeography, Folk horror, Occult-England and much more.   Main theme by Simon Smerdon (Mothboy) Music bed by chriszabriskie.com Andy Sharp Biography: Andy Sharp is a writer and multimedia artist. Since 2003, he has worked on English Heretic, an autonomous creative research project. Pioneering the form of literary and aural aesthetics, he has released over a dozen albums and booklets. He has talked at academic conferences and counter-cultural events on a wide range of subjects drawn from his research. He has an Msc in Neuroscience from Kings College and lives in London. – Repeater Books

Back at it again in podcast land, and this week we’re invoking the Goddess Babalon with the wonderful Peter Grey and Alkistis Dimech, the co-conspirators behind the excellent occult publishing house Scarlet Imprint. This week we delve deep into the topic of Babalon with the pair, and examine: Who was Babalon, How did the Babalon working influence Pete and Alkistis’ day to day life, What are Babalon’s roots, and much much more.   Reclaiming his chair from the usurper Marck, Ulysses Black returns to co-hosting duties. Main theme by Simon Smerdon (Mothboy) Music bed by chriszabriskie.com Peter Grey Biography: Peter Grey is a writer, and the co-founder of Scarlet Imprint. He is the author of The Red Goddess (2007), which has inspired the resurgence of interest in Babalon, the goddess of Revelation. His Apocalyptic Witchcraft (2013) has been called the most important modern book on witchcraft, placing it in the mythopoetic context of the sabbat and in a landscape suffering climate and ecological collapse. His Lucifer: Princeps (2015), is a study of the origins of the figure of Lucifer; he is currently writing the second part, Lucifer: Praxis. His collected writings, from 2008–2018, are published in The Brazen Vessel (2019) with those of Alkistis Dimech. His most recent work is The Two Antichrists (2021), a return to the Babalon and Antichrist workings of Jack Parsons and his eclipsed sodality The Witchcraft. He has spoken at private public events and conferences worldwide to both practitioners and academics. These have included Occulture, the Occult Conferences in Glastonbury and London, Treadwell’s Bookshop, the Esoteric Book Conference in Seattle, Flambeau Noir in Portland, the Psychology, Art and the Occult conference in London, Here to Go II in Norway, the Trans-States conference in Northampton University, the Magic and Ecology conference for CRASSH at Cambridge University and Pagan Federation events. He can be heard on podcasts including Runesoup, Secret History of Western Esotericism Podcast, Right Where you are Sitting Now, Thelema Now, Spirit Box, Quarantine Sessions with Jake Kobrin, Against Everyone with Conner Habib, Grimerica, Witches and Wine, Thoth-Hermes, and Rendering Unconscious. Peter lives with his lover Alkistis in the far south west of Cornwall on the edge of the Lizard peninsula, where he surfs in the cold Atlantic, walks the ancient land and pursues his magical practice. Alkistis Dimech Biography: With Peter Grey, I am the co-founder of Scarlet Imprint. I am a writer and artist – working principally with dance and the body. My practice is grounded in butô (dark dance). My work explores the occulted dimensions of the body, its subtle anatomy and sexuality as an archaeology of the flesh – drawing from the esoteric and phenomenological traditions – and seeks to unfold a process and techne of bodily spiritual transformation. I have performed in the UK, Europe and the United States, solo and in collaboration with musicians and artists, notably Z’EV, Gast Bouschet & Nadine Hilbert, and Anji Cheung – and spoken on my practice, and given workshops, at conferences and events in the UK, Europe and the United States. Selected works from 2008 to 2018 are documented in The Brazen Vessel and at alkistisdimech.com. I am currently creating Antimony, a work of texts and images on the angelic, alchemical transfiguration of the body.