Occult of Personality podcast

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

Richard Gavin, the acclaimed author of Gothic horror and esoteric manifesto, joins us in podcast episode 186 to discuss his recent fiction anthology, Sylvan Dread, available from Three Hands Press.Richard Gavin is an acclaimed author whose work explores the realm where dread and the sublime conjoin. His supernatural tales have been published in five collections, including Sylvan Dread and At Fear’s Altar. In 2015 he co-edited (with Patricia Cram and Daniel A. Schulke) Penumbrae: An Occult Fiction Anthology. Richard’s works of esotericism have appeared in Starfire Journal, Clavis: Journal of Occult Arts, Letters and Experience, and The Luminous Stone. His nocturnal manifesto The Benighted Path: Primeval Gnosis and the Monstrous Soul was released by Theion Publishing in 2016.The twelve tales in Sylvan Dread examine the Sinister Pastoral, the transgressive power emergent from the landscape, the Forlorn Place, and the nightmare-inducing power of its concealed entic forms. Of this genre, the author has said:“Too often human beings mistake the man-made environments that cloister them as being the world entire. But Nature was made neither by us nor for us. This primordial truth is one that many of my characters must grapple with in Sylvan Dread. The inversion of everyday preconceptions about life and death, materialism and the imaginal; the rush of the Hidden into the apparent; the sudden rending of the veil; these are what I consider to be the essential hallmarks of the Sinister Pastoral.”Richard Gavin’s work is exemplary in the realm of modern supernatural fiction. The dark tales in Sylvan Dread not only take the reader for a journey, they convey an unexpected depth of visceral feeling. While I didn’t have a chance to read his manifesto, The Benighted Path, it was eminently interesting to explore its themes with him during our talk. I think you’ll agree.While outside the scope of our interview, Gavin’s most recent work, The Moribund Portal, has just been announced. According to Richard, “[The book is] a concise monograph of esoteric non-fiction. It will be published in May 2018 by Three Hands Press. The cover painting is by the astonishingly talented Benjamin A Vierling.”Beyond its vulgar function as a means of execution, the Gallows has long served as a source of esoteric power. From the severed appendage of the thief that becomes the Hand of Glory to the fallen seed that spawns the mandrake root, the Hanging Place is awash in the sinistral ambiance of authentic Sorcery. Richard Gavin weaves together threads of folklore, spiritism, and occult philosophy to create a tapestry of grim vitality. The Moribund Portal: Spectral Resonance and the Numen of the Gallows examines the subtle yet potent symbiosis that exists between the incarnate world and the realm of the Dead. This book’s exploration of the liminal space between firmament and earth, where Odin perceived the runes and Christ witnessed the celestial kingdom, is designed to illuminate the macabre portal through which one may glimpse the Otherworld.At our membership site, Chamber of Reflection, hear Richard Gavin talk more about primeval gnosis and even offer some practical guidelines and ways for listeners to become better attuned to the rhythms of nature and thereby the natural state of mind. Join us for that wonderful conversation!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!Richard Gavin - http://www.richardgavin.net/Sylvan Dread by Richard Gavin - https://threehandspress.com/sylvan-dread/“Realizing the Primordial Image” by Richard Gavin - https://clavisjournal.com/realizing-the-primordial-image/Podcast 55: David Beth – Voudon Gnosis - http://occultofpersonality.net/podcast-55-david-beth/The Moribund Portal: Spectral Resonance and the Numen of the Gallows by Richard Gavin - https://www.amazon.com/Moribund-Portal-Spectral-Resonance-Gallows/dp/1945147245The Benighted Path: Primeval Gnosis and the Monstrous Soul by Richard Gavin - http://www.theionpublishing.com/books/the-benighted-path-primeval-gnosis-and-the-monstrous-soul/Penumbrae: An Occult Fiction Anthology edited by Richard Gavin, Patricia Cram & Daniel A. Schulke - https://threehandspress.com/penumbrae/At Fear’s Altar by Richard Gavin - https://hippocampuspress.com/mythos-and-other-authors/fiction/at-fears-altar-by-richard-gavinintro – “Awakening” by Paul Avgerinos - http://magnatune.com/artists/albums/avgerinos-gnosis?song=3outro – “Dark Hushes Light” by Mikal Evans - http://magnatune.com/artists/albums/mevans-jailhouse?song=1

Christian Giudice, a scholar of modern occultism and Traditionalism, joins us in podcast episode 185 to discuss his dissertation entitled Occultism and Traditionalism: Arturo Reghini and the Antimodern Reaction in Early Twentieth Century Italy.Christian Giudice is a PhD scholar at the University of Gothenburg. His thesis analyses the interaction between Modernity and its impact on the Occult milieu of early twentieth-century Italy, focusing on Arturo Reghini (1878-1946) as a case study. Reghini was actively involved in most of the occult manifestations on the Italian peninsula during his lifetime. Thus he represents a fundamental figure if we want to better understand the convoluted period leading up to the Great War and the rise of Benito Mussolini.Giudice obtained an BA Honours Degree in Literae Humniores (Classics) from St. Hugh’s College, Oxford (2001) and more recently an MA with distinction in Western Esotericism, with a thesis focusing on Kenneth Grant and post-Crowleyan magic (2011). In 2012 he was elected Student Representative for ESSWE (European Society for the Study of Western Esotericism) for the year 2013. His other research interests include Traditionalism in a wider perspective (Guenon, Schuon, Evola, Coomaraswamy), Thelema and its developments after the death of Aleister Crowley (1875-1947), fin de siecle Occultism in England, France and Italy, Occultism and the visual arts.For a list of publications see: http://gu-se.academia.edu/ChristianGiudiceArturo Reghini was born in Florence on 12 November 1878. Since a very young age his interest in the occult was noticeable and in 1898 he was among the founding members of the Theosophical lodge in Rome. Having obtained a degree in Mathematics at Pisa University, Reghini frequented the cultural milieu of the Florentine Scapigliatura, lecturing, frequenting literary cafes and writing on seminal journals such as La Voce and the futurist Lacerba.In 1910 he claimed to have been initiated to an ancient Pythagorean initiatory school by Amedeo Armentano. After WWI, in which Reghini voluntarily enlisted, along with many other traditionalist thinkers gravitating around him, in the 1920s, Reghini founded journals which allowed him to express his views on occult, political and literary topics, being the editor in chief of Atanor, Ignis and Ur.These journals were fundamental in circulating ideas which would influence many thinkers who are nowadays better known than Reghini himself: among the authors collaborating with Reghini we thus find Rene Guenon (1886-1951), Julius Evola and Aniceto Del Massa (1898-1975).Reghini’s involvement with Freemasonry was constant between 1902 and 1925, the year in which masonic organizations were banned in Italy. It is within the folds of fringe masonry that Reghini found fertile ground for his ideas concerning a reform of modern Freemasonry, which invoked a return to its spiritual origins, considered to be Mediterranean by the Florentine thinker. Reghini’s involvement with Eduardo Frosini (1879 – ?) is well documented in this regard.The Lateran Accords of 1929 between the Fascist regime and Pope Pius XI put an end to Reghini’s, and other traditional thinkers, to influence the newly-born political cabinet. Reghini then seemed to become isolated from the activities of the Roman cultural milieu, moving to Budrio to teach mathematics in a private school and to pursue his studies on Pythagoric numbers, for which he received recognition from the prestigious Accademia dei Lincei in 1931. He died in 1946, leaving a legacy, which only in recent years has been picked up by Italian scholars.In the members’ only site at https://chamberofreflection.com, Christian Giudice, Rudolf, and I continue the interview, focusing on Italian occultists infiltration of Masonic lodges in order to spread their ideology. Join us for that fascinating conversation by signing up at the Chamber of Reflection or via Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality.Arturo Reghini & Roman Traditionalism @ http://reghini.com/ and on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/arturoreghiniintro music – “Awakening” by Paul Avgerinos - http://magnatune.com/artists/albums/avgerinos-gnosis?song=3outro music – “The Limb of the Fiend” by Harlan Williams - http://magnatune.com/artists/albums/harlan-glass?song=3

Publisher, scholar, and author Mogg Morgan joins us in podcast episode 184 to discuss independent publishing house, Mandrake of Oxford, as well as his recent books Isis: Goddess of Egypt and India and Phi-Neter: Power of the Egyptian Gods.“Mogg Morgan is a publisher, writer, pagan practitioner, independent scholar & theorist. He was Wellcome research student at Oxford, where his teacher was the late Professor B K Matilal, a widely respected expert on South Asian rational thought. He has published on both Indology & Egyptology. His books include Ayurveda: Medicine of the Gods and Sexual Magick. More recently, Morgan has authored a sequence of books combining academic research with practical experimentation beginning with Tankhem: Seth & Egyptian Magick, The Bull of Ombos: Seth and Egyptian Magick II, The Ritual Year in Ancient Egypt, Supernatural Assault in Ancient Egypt, Phi-Neter: Power of the Egyptian Gods, and Isis: Goddess of Egypt & India.”Morgan’s work demonstrating continuity of the Egyptian religious cult over wide geographic and temporal distances is insightful and adds rich complexity to our understanding of these ancient deities and the people who worship(ped) them. I very much appreciate Morgan’s work along these lines, exploring the depth of ancient religious tradition and its extension into modern times.Now in the Chamber of Reflection, the Occult of Personality membership section, there are a couple of new recordings for members—an interview with the publishers of Fraternal Review magazine discussing their reader-voted list of top Masonic books, and a profile of the originator of Christian Cabala, Giovanni Pico della Mirandola. Join now to receive access and support the show at https://chamberofreflection.com or 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://mandrake.uk.net/https://mandrake.uk.net/isis-goddess/https://mandrake.uk.net/phi-neter-the-power-of-egyptian-gods/intro music – “Awakening” by Paul Avgerinosoutro music – “Kirvani” by Simone Angele and Amir Kalhor

Peter Mark Adams, author of The Game of Saturn: Decoding the Sola-Busca Tarocchi, published by Scarlet Imprint, is our guest in podcast episode 183. https://scarletimprint.com/publications/the-game-of-saturn The Game of Saturn is the first full length, scholarly study of the enigmatic Renaissance masterwork known as the Sola-Busca tarocchi. It reveals the existence of a pagan liturgical and ritual tradition active amongst members of the Renaissance elite and encoded within the deck. Beneath its beautifully decorated surface, its imagery ranges from the obscure to the grotesque . . . For the first time in over five hundred years, the clues embedded within the cards reveal a dark Gnostic grimoire replete with pagan theurgical and astral magical rites. Careful analysis demonstrates that the presiding deity of this ‘cult object’ is none other than the Gnostic demiurge in its most archaic and violent form: the Afro-Levantine serpent-dragon, Ba’al Hammon, also known as Kronos and Saturn, though more notoriously as the biblical Moloch, the devourer of children. Conveyed from Constantinople to Italy in the dying years of the Byzantine Empire, the pagan Platonist George Gemistos Plethon sought to ensure the survival of the living essence of Neoplatonic theurgy by transplanting it to the elite families of the Italian Renaissance. Within that violent and sorcerous milieu, Plethon’s vision of a theurgically enlightened elite mutated into its dark shadow – a Saturnian brotherhood, operating within a cosmology of predation, which sought to channel the draconian current to preserve elite wealth, power and control. This development marks the birth of an ‘illumined elite’ over three centuries before Adam Weishaupt’s ‘Illuminati.’ The deck captures the essence of this magical tradition . . . This work fully explores the historical context for the deck’s creation against the background of tense Ferrarese-Venetian diplomatic intrigue and espionage. The recovery of the deck’s encoded narratives constitutes a significant contribution to Renaissance scholarship, art history, tarot studies and the history of Western esotericism.In my opinion, The Game of Saturn is a groundbreaking study. It reveals evidence supporting the most egregious allegations of conspiracy theorists including dragon bloodlines, black magic, and human sacrifice. Combined with the wonderful analysis of the unique Tarot imagery and symbolism, Adams has created an instant classic and revealed his own talent as a scholar, author and esotericist. I highly recommend The Game of Saturn! Peter Mark Adams is an author, professional energy worker and healer . . . With a background in philosophy, he has been researching . . . consciousness and healing for over 35 years. Peter is also a contributor to international peer­-reviewed scholarly journals . . . and contributed numerous articles on complementary and alternative medicine, mindfulness, Reiki, breathwork, energy, esotericism and altered states of consciousness.In the Chamber of Reflection, Peter Mark Adams, Rudolf, and I continue the interview at https://chamberofreflection.com. You’ll hear more about the elaborate cover stories that obscure the true malefic nature of the Sola-Busca Tarot, the cover stories surrounding Christianity, and Peter Mark Adams masterful analysis. He also talks about morality, psychic vampires, and more. Join us for that fascinating conversation!I’d like to remind you that although you’re able to listen to this podcast at no charge, the costs to produce it are significant. Your financial contributions ensure the continuity of the free podcast. Please support Occult of Personality podcast by joining the membership section https://chamberofreflection.com or 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!Peter Mark Adams - http://www.petermarkadams.com/The Game of Saturn: Decoding the Sola-Busca Tarocchi by Peter Mark Adams - https://scarletimprint.com/publications/the-game-of-saturnSola-Busca tarocchi published by Scarlet Imprint - https://scarletimprint.com/publications/sola-busca-tarocchiIntro music – “Awakening” by Paul Avgerinos - http://magnatune.com/artists/albums/avgerinos-gnosis?song=3Outro music – “Saturn Blues” by Beats Under Control - http://magnatune.com/artists/albums/beatunder-intro?song=6

Josephine McCarthy and Michael Sheppard of Quareia: A New School of Magic for the 21st Century join us in podcast episode 182. You can find Quareia online at https://www.quareia.com.Josephine McCarthy has appeared twice previously on the podcast to discuss her earlier books on exorcism and magic. She is the author of the Quareia course. Michael Sheppard is the editor and the author of an upcoming book on Egyptian magic.Josephine, Michael, Rudolf, and I have a great conversation about magic, mystery schools, and mostly Quareia, a wonderful new online magic course that is offered for free is undoubtedly a strong contender for best course material available. “Quareia, the new school of magic for the 21st century, is a concept that was born out of conversations between adepts Josephine McCarthy and Frater Acher; two European magicians with solid magical reputations. The course is spread over three sections: Apprentice, Initiate, and Adept. Each section has ten modules, and each module has eight lessons. Each of the three sections is approximately five hundred thousand words: it is the most extensive, in-depth, and intelligent up to date magical course that is currently available worldwide. There are no teachers: the course is designed specifically for lone exploration, experience and study. The success of the Quareia student comes from hard work/personal application, inner contact, and the necessary study and work. It is a very old way of teaching and completely side steps all of the degeneracy that magical schools can become entangled in. Quareia teaches the skills that underpin many different forms of magic. Rather than just teaching a specific magical style, through learning the structural underlying techniques, forms and skills, and their various cultural, magical, and at times religious expressions from different cultures, the Quareia magician will be able to access any form of magic and understand it.”If you’ve heard Josephine in any of her two prior interviews here or read any of her work, you’re already aware of how special she is. The depth and quality of the work that has gone into the creation of Quareia is astounding. If I had to recommend a single resource for learning the art of magic, it would undoubtedly be Quareia. That is a heavy endorsement, but one I feel certain about after having worked with enough schools and systems to have the ability to compare. Quareia provides potential students with an excellent source of knowledge to begin and sustain their magical training. I highly recommend it!If you haven’t already taken a look, the Occult of Personality Membership Section has been redesigned and resurrected as The Chamber of Reflection at https://chamberofreflection.com. There, Josephine, Michael, Rudolf, and I continue the interview to discuss some rather interesting occurrences and lessons learned during the creation of the Quareia course. Join us for that fascinating conversation! On Saturday, July 29th, Ezekiel Bates Lodge and Lvmen Scientiae will host a day of talks on the subject of Alchemy & Transformation! Our presenters include renowned alchemist Brian Cotnoir discussing the famed Emerald Tablet, eastern medicine practitioner and author Craig Williams speaking about the use of plant medicines and bodily health for self-realization, host of the Glitch Bottle podcast Alexander Eth talking about the magical grimoire tradition as an avenue for self-transformation, and yours truly presenting material from David Chaim Smith's upcoming book Deep Principles of Kabbalistic Alchemy. This is a singularly amazing opportunity to hear about many aspects of alchemy and magic in a single day! There will not be another event like this anytime soon, so I encourage you to attend. Tickets are $15.00 per person and available now at https://eb1870.org/alchemy-transformation/. I’d like to remind you that although you’re able to listen to this podcast at no charge, the costs to produce it are significant. Your financial contributions ensure the continuity of the free podcast. Please support Occult of Personality podcast by joining the membership section https://chamberofreflection.com or 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://josephinemccarthy.com/https://www.facebook.com/michaelsheppardmagic/http://occultofpersonality.net/podcast-100-josephine-mccarthy/ http://occultofpersonality.net/the-magickal-work-of-josephine-mccarthy/ intro music - "Awakenings" by Paul Avgerinosoutro music - "Ritual" by Beth Quist