Occult of Personality podcast

This is episode 196 featuring an interview with C. R. Dunning, Jr., author of Contemplative Masonry: Basic Applications of Mindfulness, Meditation, and Imagery for the Craft. You can find Chuck Dunning online at https://chuckdunning.com/. "Chuck Dunning has been a Master Mason since 1988. Chuck is a Full Member of the Texas Lodge of Research and belongs to a number of other Masonic research societies. In the Scottish Rite, Chuck is a Knight Commander of the Court of Honor, Director of Education for the Guthrie Valley in Oklahoma, and a Class Director for the Fort Worth Valley in Texas. In 2012 he became the founding Superintendent of the Academy of Reflection, which is a chartered organization for Scottish Rite Masons wanting to integrate contemplative practice with their Masonic experience. Chuck is a member of the Society for Contemplative Mind in Higher Education and has been engaged in various forms of contemplative practice for over three decades. In his career in higher education and mental health, in Masonry, and with other groups and individuals, he facilitates and teaches mindfulness, meditation, and imagery to enhance peoples’ experiences of life in many ways. Chuck holds a master’s degree in counselor education and a bachelor’s degree in psychology, both from the University of North Texas."Part of the work that has become Contemplative Masonry first appeared on the internet in 2000 as an anonymously authored guide to the exploration of Freemasonry through contemplative practices like prayer, meditation, breath work, chanting, and visualization. Sixteen years later, the original author of that material, C.R. “Chuck” Dunning, Jr., has come forward with a substantially expanded edition for those seeking to utilize Masonic symbolism and teachings in a way that is practical, accessible, inspiring, and profoundly transformative. Contemplative Masonry is a much-needed resource for Masons seeking to undertake the challenging and rewarding work of deep self-knowledge and self-improvement. Brother Dunning provides Freemasons with a unique system of practices derived directly from the Degrees of Craft Masonry, without reliance upon other religious, spiritual, or esoteric traditions. He also shares the valuable wisdom and insights that come from decades of personal experience with contemplative practices."I found Chuck Dunning’s Contemplative Masonry to be a much-needed guide to using Masonic degree lectures, symbols, and teachings in a classic, structured meditative practice designed to provide understanding of the knowledge presented in Masonic degrees and thereby further the growth and maturation process. If you have any esoteric leanings as a Mason, Dunning’s book is not only required reading, but should be put into daily practice. I was impressed not only with the book, but also with Dunning’s commitment to further Masonic education and deepen the experience and understanding of Masonry. I think you will be as well.In the Chamber of Reflection, Rudolf and I continue the interview with Chuck Dunning. We delve more deeply into contemplative Masonry and Chuck shares some eminently practical advice.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://chuckdunning.com/ https://www.amazon.com/Contemplative-Masonry-Applications-Mindfulness-Meditation/dp/1605320757/ https://academyofreflection.org/ https://www.phoenixmasonry.org/contemplative_masonry.htm The intro music is “Awakening” by Paul Avgerinos and the outro music is “Build” by Ernesto Schnack.

Gabriel McCaughry, founder of Anathema Publishing Ltd. (https://www.anathemapublishing.com/) and author of (h)Auroræ is our guest in podcast episode 195. This is a special two-part episode and you will find the second half available at Rudolf’s Thoth-Hermes podcast at https://www.thothermes.com/."Gabriel McCaughry is the founder, editor, publisher, and contributing writer to Anathema's PILLARS occult periodical, Gabriel has fully overseen the creation and publishing of several well-respected esoteric titles including Craig Williams' Entering the Desert and Cult of Golgotha."A pilgrim in the Mystery Tradition, Gabriel is deeply fascinated with all subjects relating to Alchemy, Hermeticism, and the Nameless Arte . . . he walks the Path of a Luciferian Gnostic. His systemic (albeit very personal and customized) approach to praxes and devotion stems from a profound love . . . ""(h)Auroræ is Gabriel McCaughry’s first published manuscript – a tome which correlates directly with Anathema Publishing’s mandate, along with his unique views and methodologies on alchemical book-making. This is very much a continuation in the spirit of his previous contributions to the PILLARS occult periodical (and elsewhere), but within (h)Auroræ, these concepts are fully developed and actualized."(h)Auroræ, an exploration of the Gabriel McCaughry’s devotion to mystical alchemy is replete with cryptic verse, beautiful production, wonderful esoteric art and symbols all synthesized in an act of devotion to the quest for the Great Mystery. McCaughry’s book, like all of those he produces for Anathema Publishing, is an exemplar in terms of modern esoteric publishing. The artwork, fonts, paper, and book craftsmanship are exquisite. (h)Auroræ brings the tradition of cryptic alchemical texts into the twenty-first century with grace and beauty.In the Chamber of Reflection, Rudolf and I ruminate over the recent interview with Mark Stavish about his book on egregores in a rather interesting conversation about humanity’s place in the scheme of things. And the member’s Q&A with Frater Ashen Chassan has been recorded and should be available in early February. Finally, our discussion circle around P.D. Ouspensky’s excellent book The Psychology of Man’s Possible Evolution is ongoing and the audio of the third lecture with discussion questions will be ready soon.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/hauroraehttps://www.anathemapublishing.com/gabriel-mccaughryintro music - "Awakening" by Paul Avgerinosoutro music - "Tending the Light" by Ghost of Maine

Mark Stavish, author of Egregores: The Occult Entities That Watch Over Human Destiny, is our guest in podcast episode 194.Mark Stavish, the Director of Studies for the Institute for Hermetic Studies and a life-long student of esotericism with over 35 years of experience in comparative religion, philosophy, psychology, and mysticism with emphasis on Western spiritual traditions. He has authored more than 26 books including The Path of Alchemy and Kabbalah for Health and Wellness. Stavish is also the author of the blog VOXHERMES at https://voxhermes.wordpress.com/.In this wide-ranging and extended interview, Mark Stavish and I discuss his recent book, Egregores, and a myriad of related subjects including eastern religion, the relationship between divinity, deity, and humanity, the modern political landscape and the interface with esoteric belief systems, and much more! “One of most important but little-known concepts of Western occultism is that of the egregore, an autonomous psychic entity created by a collective group mind. An egregore is sustained by belief, ritual, and sacrifice and relies upon the devotion of a group of people, from a small coven to an entire nation, for its existence. An egregore that receives enough sustenance can take on a life of its own, becoming an independent deity with powers its believers can use to further their own spiritual advancement and material desires. “Presenting the first book devoted to the study of egregores, Mark Stavish examines the history of egregores from ancient times to present day, with detailed and documented examples, and explores how they are created, sustained, directed, and destroyed. He explains how egregores were well known in the classical period of ancient Greece and Rome, when they were consciously called into being to watch over city states. He explores the egregore concept as it was understood in various Western Mystery traditions, including the Corpus Hermeticum, and offers further examples from Tibetan Buddhism, Islam, modern esoteric orders such as the Order of the Golden Dawn and Rosicrucianism, the writings of H. P. Lovecraft and Kenneth Grant, and the followers of Julius Evola and Aleister Crowley. The author discusses how, even as the fundamental principles of the egregore were forgotten, egregores continue to be formed, sometimes by accident. “Stavish provides instructions on how to identify egregores, free yourself from a parasitic and destructive collective entity, and destroy an egregore, should the need arise. Revealing how egregores form the foundation of nearly all human interactions, the author shows how egregores have moved into popular culture and media--underscoring the importance of intense selectivity in the information we accept and the ways we perceive the world and our place in it.”Mark Stavish's book Egregores is well-researched, very interesting, and thought-provoking. For all those interested in esotericism, I would consider it a must-read. I found it to be quite timely as well considering his approach juxtaposed with current events. While I did not agree with the premise completely in regards to whether deity is a subset of humanity, Stavish's book would certainly be a worthwhile addition to any occult library and as far as I know, it is the only serious treatment of the subject that I've read. I appreciated the opportunity to discuss it with Mr. Stavish at length during this interview.Just as an aside, it was not as easy as you might imagine to bring you this interview. We must have rescheduled more than half a dozen times for various reasons. Then on the day of the recording, my co-host Rudolf was unable to attend. Immediately after finishing the recording, my computer crashed. But we have persevered to provide you with an extended and quite excellent interview. Enjoy!The intro music is “Awakening” by Paul Avgerinos and the outro music is “I Watch Over You” by Federico Moscogiuri.In the Chamber of Reflection, we’ve begun our study circle around P.D. Ouspensky’s excellent book The Psychology of Man’s Possible Evolution! This wonderful little text contains transcriptions of a few of Ouspensky’s lectures based on the teachings of G.I. Gurdjieff and contains some marvelous insights into the human condition. Join us to read and discuss a lesser-known book that holds great potential to unlock our understanding of our own minds and how to begin the process of transformation.And 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!Egregores: The Occult Entities That Watch Over Human Destiny by Mark Stavish - https://www.amazon.com/Egregores-Occult-Entities-Watch-Destiny/dp/1620555778Institute for Hermetic Studies - http://www.hermeticinstitute.org/

This is episode 193 featuring an interview with my good friend Rudolf Berger, co-host of Occult of Personality podcast and the host of the Thoth-Hermes podcast.Known on the internet by his pseudonym Gnothi Seauton, Rudolf is the producer and host of the Thoth-Hermes Podcast, which can be found at http://www.thothermes.com. He can also be heard as my co-host on the Occult of Personality podcast. Rudolf has been interested in the world of esotericism and occultism for over three decades. A Freemason for more than a quarter of a century and a member of the Scottish Rite, his first interest in esoteric sciences came about when reading 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 esoteric tradition.Today Rudolf calls himself a “gnostic Hermeticist” with a very strong link to ceremonial magic. He is also greatly interested in sacred geometry and the implication of sound and music in the occult arts. “The longer I am active in this field, the clearer it becomes to me how closely linked many of those currents are, how their roots and aims are one”, Rudolf says. He is practicing the art mostly as a solitary worker but maintains links to several occult groups.In the profane world Rudolf has been working very successfully in the field of the performing arts. He initially trained as an actor, speaker and opera singer, then mostly worked as artistic director and producer in the world of classical music and opera. Recently he quit the management field to place himself more extensively again on the creative side, mainly in writing and directing. And he has taken on the work of a funeral celebrant, trying to help the bereaved by creating and leading personal ceremonies to honor their beloved ones. Rudolf lives near beautiful Vienna, Austria.You can contact him by email at info@thothermes.com, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/thpodcast/ and Twitter @thothermesat.In the Chamber of Reflection, we continue this fascinating interview with Rudolf Berger. He talks more about Thoth-Hermes podcast and revitalization of the esoteric environment in Europe, his involvement with the Fraternitas Saturni, his appreciation for the Hermetic teachings of Franz Bardon, and more. Join us for that fascinating conversation!And 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!

Josef Wäges, the preeminent scholar studying the Order of the Illuminati, and a prominent Freemason, joins us in podcast episode 192 to discuss the history of the Order of the Illuminati, its founder Adam Weishaupt, the Freemasonic associations of the order, and its downfall, along with Josef’s work editing the newly released collected works of Weishaupt consisting of writings that supplement and enhance the original Order of the Illuminati degree rituals and doctrines. For more information about these books, go to https://maltaminervaleditions.com. Adam Weishaupt founded the Order of the Illuminati on May 1st, 1776 and was the general of the order until mid-1784. On Materialism and Idealism was first published by Weishaupt in 1786 and has long been considered to be one of his philosophical works. After the publication of the Secret School of Wisdom, the Authentic Ritual and Doctrines of the Illuminati, it has been discovered to in fact be the completion of the Docetist degree of the Illuminati. This degree was the second highest degree in the ritual system of the Illuminati and contemplates the existence of God and the immortality of the soul through logical secular reasoning. This refined and completed philosophical treatise was originally intended to be read by a select few within the inner circle of the Order.It is an honor and a privilege for me to be able to bring you this interview with Josef Wäges. While some information about the Order of the Illuminati has been widely known for hundreds of years, it wasn’t until the first book Josef edited, The Secret School of Wisdom, was released that we got a glimpse of the rituals and doctrines of the order. Now, with the release of Weishaupt’s collected works, we get the actual writings that describe the philosophy that Weishaupt believed in so greatly providing insights heretofore unimaginable. It was a great pleasure to speak with Josef about his study of this work and gain a greater understanding of the order and the man behind it to such a degree that it is no longer possible to consider it in the superficial way that it has so often been portrayed. Josef deserves credit for uncovering one of the historical mysteries of Western secret societies and if you are interested in this subject, you need these books from https://maltaminervaleditions.com. No other source can compare.Josef Wäges, 32° Freemason, is a member of the Blue Friars, member of Plano Lodge #768, Fate Lodge #802, the Dallas Valley of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry (Southern Jurisdiction), Fellow of the Grand College of Rites, full member of the Texas Lodge of Research, Michigan Lodge of Research, and life member of the Missouri Lodge of Research. Editor of The Secret School of Wisdom, the Authentic Rituals and Doctrines of the Illuminati, and On Materialism and Idealism, he is currently preparing the forthcoming books: Ecossais Masonry: A History of the High Degrees from the Scots Master to the Order of the Royal Secret for Scottish Rite Research Society, The Columbian Illuminati, and The Improved System of the Illuminati.In the Chamber of Reflection, our membership website, we continue this fascinating interview with Josef Wäges, delving even more deeply into his research on Adam Weishaupt and the Order of the Illuminati. It’s wonderful to explore the history and philosophy of the Illuminati with new information so many years after its dissolution and Josef shares his learned insights with us. Join us for that fascinating and important conversation!And 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!Thanks for listening and until next time . . .intro music – “Awakening” by Paul Avgerinosoutro music – “illuminated path” by ketsa

Author, futurist, and wizard Jason Louv joins us in podcast episode 191 to discuss his recent book John Dee and the Empire of Angels: Enochian Magick and the Occult Roots of the Modern World.“John Dee (1527-1608), Queen Elizabeth I’s court advisor and astrologer, was the foremost scientific genius of the 16th century. . . But, as Jason Louv explains, Dee was suppressed from mainstream history because he spent the second half of his career developing a method for contacting angels. After a brilliant ascent from star student at Cambridge to scientific advisor to the Queen, Dee, with the help of a disreputable, criminal psychic named Edward Kelley, devoted ten years to communing with the angels. . . Piecing together Dee’s fragmentary Spirit Diaries and scrying sessions, the author examines Enochian in precise detail and explains how the angels used Dee and Kelley as agents to establish a New World Order that they hoped would . . . eventually dominate the entire globe.“Presenting a comprehensive overview of Dee’s life and work, Louv examines his scientific achievements, intelligence and spy work, imperial strategizing, and Enochian magick, establishing a psychohistory of John Dee as a singular force and fundamental driver of Western history. Exploring Dee’s influence on Sir Francis Bacon, the development of modern science, seventeenth-century Rosicrucianism, the nineteenth-century occult revival, and twentieth-century occultists such as Jack Parsons, Aleister Crowley, and Anton LaVey, Louv shows how John Dee continues to impact science and the occult to this day.”As I told Jason during the interview, his book quickly became my favorite on the history of John Dee and Enochian magick. Jason’s work as both a scholar and practitioner allowed him to deliver some extraordinary insights that more fully illuminate the story of Dee and Kelley and enlarge the context of Enochian magick in the history of Western civilization. Louv deserves credit for delving so deeply into this work and sharing it with us. If you’re interested in this subject, Louv’s book deserves a place on your shelf.For the last twenty years, Jason Louv has dedicated himself to exploring, reporting on and teaching some of the world’s sacred traditions, especially Western magick and occultism. He currently teaches meditation and magick at his online education portal Magick.Me. Jason also interviews spiritual, technological and outsider thinkers weekly on the Ultraculture With Jason Louv podcast. You can find Jason online at http://jasonlouv.com.In the Chamber of Reflection, our membership website at https://chamberofreflection.com/, we continue this often-provocative interview with Jason Louv, delving even more deeply into his research on John Dee and Enochian magick. We also discuss Jason’s views on the modern political landscape and magic from a modern perspective. Join us for that fascinating and important conversation!And 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. And if you’re already supporting the show or have done so in the past – my heartfelt thanks and I salute you!http://jasonlouv.com/https://johndee007.com/https://ultraculture.org/intro music – “Awakening” by Paul Avgerinosoutro music – “Angel” by Artemis

Acclaimed author Gary Lachman, who has appeared on the show previously, joins us in podcast episode 190 to discuss his recent, and arguably one of his most important books, The Lost Knowledge of the Imagination.Lachman has contributed an important and useful primer to the perennial philosophy and a guide for those ready to explore different, more authentic perspectives of reality. While it may be overshadowed by more sensational or popular material by this author, The Lost Knowledge of the Imagination is my favorite work by Gary Lachman. This book speaks to the soul and invites the reader to consider a way of perceiving that re-enchants the world.“The ability to imagine is at the heart of what makes us human. Through our imagination we experience more fully the world both around us and within us. Imagination plays a key role in creativity and innovation.“Until the seventeenth century, the human imagination was celebrated. Since then, with the emergence of science as the dominant worldview, imagination has been marginalized -- depicted as a way of escaping reality, rather than knowing it more profoundly -- and its significance to our humanity has been downplayed.“Yet as we move further into the strange new dimensions of the twenty-first century, the need to regain this lost knowledge seems more necessary than ever before.“This insightful and inspiring book argues that, for the sake of our future in the world, we must reclaim the ability to imagine and redress the balance of influence between imagination and science.“Through the work of Owen Barfield, Goethe, Henry Corbin, Kathleen Raine, and others, and ranging from the teachings of ancient mystics to the latest developments in neuroscience, The Lost Knowledge of the Imagination draws us back to a philosophy and tradition that restores imagination to its rightful place, essential to our knowing reality to the full, and to our very humanity itself.”Gary Lachman is one of today’s most respected writers on esoteric and occult themes. His many books – including those on 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.In the Chamber of Reflection, we continue the interview with Gary Lachman, straying into territory covered in his most recent book Dark Star Rising: Magick and Power in the Age of Trump. Join us for that fascinating and important conversation!And 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. And if you’re already supporting the show or have done so in the past – my heartfelt thanks and I salute you!https://www.amazon.com/Lost-Knowledge-Imagination-Gary-Lachman/dp/1782504451intro music – "Awakening" by Paul Avgerinosoutro music – "Imagination" by Zebrat

We have three separate interviews in episode 189: visionary artist Mani C. Price, author and musician Derek Hunter, and activist, author, and Tai Chi teacher Ethan Indigo Smith.Mani C. Price is a NYC visionary artist who paints ordinary women into exotic, self-empowered goddesses. Art and magick are her passions. Mani is also creating an animated short film about writer H.P. Lovecraft entitled "The Unnamable." Please consider supporting Mani's Kickstarter - https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/manitheuncanny/the-unnamable-hp-lovecraft-short-animated-filmcampaign to create the film. Mani shares her expertise in regards to spiritual work during this fascinating interview. In addition to Mani's evocative artwork, her talents in working with the spirit realm are formidable. You can find Mani online at http://manitheuncanny.com/. We hope you enjoy this interview as much as we did!Next is author and musician Derek Hunter. Derek is the author of Love Chaos: A New Religion, A New Philosophy, A New Way of Life. He is also the author of several works of fiction, has created several music albums, and is a practitioner of the Tarot. While Hunter's main focus is as an author of fiction, his work in music, philosophy, and the tarot is also very important to him. All aspects of Hunter's work are interconnected with one another. You can find Derek online at https://www.chaosriddler.com/.Third, we have an interview with activist, author, and Tai Chi teacher Ethan Indigo Smith. Activist, author and Tai Chi teacher Ethan Indigo Smith was born on a farm in Maine and lived in Manhattan for a number of years before migrating west to Mendocino, California. Guided by a keen sense of integrity and humanity, Ethan’s work is both deeply connected and extremely insightful, blending philosophy, politics, activism, spirituality, meditation and a unique sense of humour. Ethan’s most popular publications include “108 Steps to Be in The Zone”, a set of 108 meditative practices for self discovery and individual betterment, and “The Little Green Book of Revolution” an inspirational book based on ideas of peaceful revolution, historical activism and caring for the Earth like Native Americans. His latest book, “The Geometry Of Energy”, explores meditation and meditative energies through the sacred dimensions of geometry. You can follow Ethan at www.facebook.com/108Zone.In the Chamber of Reflection, we’ve had a number of excellent member Q&A’s with past guests including Craig Williams and Josephine McCarthy. Our next member Q&A with esoteric researcher David Metcalfe is coming soon, along with more original lectures and interviews!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!Two Night Event! The Kabbalistic Alchemy of David Chaim Smith & Celestial Intelligences: The Angelology of Pico della Mirandola - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/two-night-event-the-kabbalistic-alchemy-of-david-chaim-smith-celestial-intelligences-pico-della-tickets-44454178645?aff=erellivmltMani C. Price - http://manitheuncanny.comMani's Kickstarter - "The Unnamable: An H.P. Lovecraft Animated Short Film" - https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/manitheuncanny/the-unnamable-hp-lovecraft-short-animated-filmDerek Hunter - https://www.chaosriddler.com/Ethan Indigo Smith on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/108Zone/Ethan Indigo Smith on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Ethan-Indigo-Smith/e/B0058V4P2U/Ethan Indigo Smith on Wake Up World - https://wakeup-world.com/category/contributing-writers/ethan-indigo-smith/intro – “Awakening” by Paul Avgerinosoutro – “Companion of Three” by Barry James

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