Occult of Personality podcast

World-renowned forensic geologist and author Scott Wolter joins us in podcast episode 176 to discuss his research into the Kensington Runestone and Knights Templar in America. Forensic geologist Scott Wolter was the host of the hit show American Unearthed, which followed him on his quest to uncover the truth behind historic artifacts and sites found throughout North America. Scott is also the author of The Hooked X: Key to the Secret History of North America and co-author of The Kensington Rune Stone: Compelling New Evidence. Scott has been president of American Petrographic Services, Inc., since 1990 and has been the principle petrographer in more than 7,000 investigations throughout the world, including the evaluation of fire-damaged concrete at the Pentagon following the attacks of September 11, 2001.In this interview, Scott Wolter discusses his specific area of expertise – The Kensington Runestone and the belief that Knights Templar were responsible for this relic. The rune stone is a 200 pound slab of stone covered in runes that was discovered in 1898 in rural Minnesota. The Hooked X: Key to the Secret History of North America is the culmination of my seven-year odyssey to understand the origin of a mysterious symbol that first appeared on a highly controversial, century-old artifact called the Kensington Rune Stone. . . The story begins with the discovery of a 202-pound stone unearthed by Swedish immigrant farmer named Olof Ohman, who was clearing trees in preparation for farming back in 1898. The slab of graywacke contained a lengthy inscription carved in Norse runes whose message has only been recently deciphered accurately. In 2005, I co-authored a book entitled The Kensington Rune Stone: Compelling New Evidence that presents a large body of evidence that conclusively proves the artifact is indeed a fourteenth-century document. The Hooked X picks up where that story leaves off taking the reader on a journey from Minnesota to the New England Coast, where four more medieval rune stones are found. The trail then leads to a mysterious round stone tower in Rhode Island that could only have been constructed by a highly controversial group from Europe before the time of Christopher Columbus. The story that unfolds behind the Hooked X shatters many historical and religious paradigms and ultimately reveals the startling untold history of North America.Scott Wolter’s work in uncovering the mysteries of the runestones and their greater implications are nothing short of astounding. While controversial, his conclusions do drastically affect our perception of the history of North America. You may find it difficult to believe that Knights Templar claimed land in the western hemisphere, but the evidence is compelling. As always, listen to the interview and decide for yourself.In the Occult of Personality Membership Section, Scott Wolter continues discussing his amazing research into the Kensington Runestone, Knights Templar in America, and connections to a specific degree ritual of York Rite Freemasonry. This link is further evidence of Scott’s conclusions and is absolutely astounding. Join us for the second-half of this fascinating interview! Just go to http://occultofpersonality.net/membership and Join Now, or subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality to receive access to this and a tremendous amount of exclusive content.intro music by Paul Avgerinosoutro music – “Melkutus” (traditional Finnish Rune song) by Tim Rayborn

Now, in episode number 175, interviews from Masonic Con 2016, this was the first occurrence of this public event hosted by the brethren of Ezekiel Bates Lodge in Attleboro, Massachusetts. Masonic Con 2016 featured a number of excellent presentations that explored a variety of subjects from Renaissance art to Knights Templar in America, and even the Cabala. In these recordings you’ll hear a very brief introduction interview with Brother Aaron Chauncey discussing the event, then an interview with Jim Egan about his extensive research into Elizabethan-era magus Dr. John Dee and the Newport Tower in Newport, Rhode Island. More information about Egan’s work can be found at the Newport Tower Museum and online at http://www.newporttowermuseum.com/. Finally, we have an interview with David Brody who specializes in historical fiction, including the Knights Templar in America. More information about Brody’s work can be found at http://davidbrodybooks.com. I also want to mention that Masonic Con 2017 will take place on Saturday, April 29, 2017 at Ezekiel Bates Lodge in Attleboro, Massachusetts beginning at 9 AM. Admission is free and it’s open to the public. There will be lectures by Angel Millar, Robert Johnson, Piers Vaughan, Richard Cassaro, Oscar Allyene, Paul C. Smith and yours truly. For more information visit http://EB1870.org.

Amodali, the world-renowned artist, musician, writer, and magician is our guest in podcast episode 173 to discuss her essay “Introductory Theoria on Progressive Formulas of the Babalon Priestesshood,” published in the 2015 Three Hands Press anthology A Rose Veiled in Black. I’m thrilled to be able to bring you this interview with one of the most interesting practitioners of modern times where she discusses the 156 current and the system she developed for working with it soon to be fully revealed in the upcoming book The Marks of Teth, expected from Three Hands Press in 2017. “Amodali is an artist, musician, writer and magician from the U.K. who has produced an extensive body of work spanning over 30 years, specializing in research on the sexual mysteries of Babalon and the metaphysics and phenomenology of female occult anatomy. Amodali’s research is accompanied by in-depth complementary praxis and her multidisciplinary body of work has manifested internationally through ritual performances, C.D./album releases, art exhibitions and public lectures. She has initiated extensive investigation into the magical dimensions of sound and vocal expression, movement, trance techniques and sexuality and their relationship with female subtle architecture. Her interpretation of the magic of 156 is based on a personal practice which has been characterised by the negotiation and mastery of extreme sexual trance states which she describes as a form of physical scrying, she has found this direct form of ecstatic gnosis to be a distinctive characteristic of direct possession by Babalon.” “Amodali has developed a specific methodology for working with the highly charged sexual magic of Babalon, which has she developed since 1990 using the medium of ritual performance, most notably with the ‘Mother Destruction’ project which was created in collaboration with Patrick Leagas of 6 Comm. Mother Destruction recorded a large catalogue of musical works and toured extensively throughout Europe between 1990-2000. Amodali used the platform of Mother Destruction to extend her practice of extreme sexual entrancement into complex live ritual structures, which communicated some of the distinctive phenomenological aspects her ‘System 156’.” “The phenomenological and metaphysical structure of the female ‘magical body’, is often obscured and fragmented within Western Magical Traditions. Amodali’s forthcoming book ‘The Marks of Teth’ presents a Post-Thelemic interpretation of the goddess Babalon that expresses a feminine magical signifying language which is wholly erotic and evolutionary. The book reinforces the primacy of embodiment within multidimensional esoteric disciplines and enquiry, interpreting the occult anatomy of the female body as an autopoietic construction with its own defining initiatic imperatives and her ‘System 156’ promotes a defiantly independent spiritual path and a body-centred magical epistemology. Amodali’s predominantly heuristic practice is contextualised by research that encompasses many eras of the feminine gnosis, exploring the intersections between primordial Ophidian origins of the current within Northern European Paganism and the Western Magical Tradition and the modern interpretations of embodiment, sexuality, gender and feminine agency within the Phenomenology of Maurice Merleau-Ponty and Timothy Morton and the feminist philosophy of Luce Irigaray Julia Kristeva and Bracha Ettinger. Within these various contextual streams, the Enochian Universe of Dee and Kelley with its septenary motifs and feminine spirits takes on a primary importance in Amodali’s work, as representing the pivotal crystallisation of the feminine sexual current as embodied by Babalon.” “Amodali is a graduate of Liverpool School of Art and lecturer in Graphic Design. Recent projects include an ongoing series of vividly erotic visualizations and technical schema that illustrate the subtle anatomy of the Babalon priestess and the embodiment techniques of the magical ‘System 156’. The pieces feature an array of magical-corporeal signifiers which are assembled into intricate compositions, using labour-intensive collage techniques within a process that melds and transmutes photography and illustrations of sexual imagery into representations of the corpora of Babalon. Examples from this series have been exhibited in London, Seattle and Dublin in recent years. Her multimedia art project ‘Liber Incarnadine’ is an online interactive liturgy devoted to Babalon. In recent years, Amodali has given talks has given talks on the magical, and phenomenological aspects of the magical body of the 156 current at events such as the ‘Ecology,Cosmos and Consciousness’ Lecture series in London and the Esoteric Book Conference in the United States. An introduction to her magical system is featured in the essay ‘Introductory Theoria on Progressive Formulas of the Babalon Priestesshood’ as part of the Three Hands Press Anthology published in 2015 entitled A Rose Veiled in Black. An extensive synthesis of her magical practice, The Marks of Teth will be published by Three Hands Press in 2017.”In the Occult of Personality Membership Section, you’ll find the second half of the interview with Amodali featuring extensive exploration of the 156 System, its historical influences and its implications. Don’t miss that excellent, exclusive recording. Just go to http://occultofpersonality.net/membership and sign up if you haven’t already. It’s the best way to support the podcast while receiving access to a tremendous amount of additional exclusive content.Details of the A Rose veiled in Black Anthology on Three Hands Press can be found at https://threehandspress.com/shop/a-rose-veiled-in-black/Amodali has written several introductory essays elucidating her interpretation of the 156 current based on public lectures delivered in recent years.‘The magical and erotic phenomenology of ritual performance within the Babalon Current’http://www.amodali.com/babalon-ritual-phenomenolgy/‘Feminism, ‘Weird’ Essentialism and 156’http://www.amodali.com/feminism-weird-essentialism-and-156/‘The Garments of Galvah and the System ‘156’’http://www.amodali.com/galvah/Art Print Editionshttp://www.amodali.com/print-editions/The ‘Liber Incarnadine’ project can be found at http://www.liberincarnadine.com/intro music by Paul Avgerinosoutro music – “Rosearia” by Amodali

Michael Bertiaux, artist, and the author of the acclaimed Voudon Gnostic Workbook and the recent Ontological Graffiti, is our guest in podcast episode 172. This interview was created in collaboration with our friends at Black Lotus Kult.“Michael Bertiaux, author of the famed Voudon Gnostic Workbook and Hierophant of the Voudon Gnostic Current is a rare visionary in modern occult studies. Raised in a liberal theosophical household, he was drawn to the esoteric and spiritual approach to religion and Being from early on. After studying philosophy in New Orleans and having been ordained as a Deacon in the Anglican Church, Bertiaux was sent to Haiti in 1963 where he taught philosophy and was in charge of the local Anglican museum. It was on “the magic island” that Bertiaux met his spiritus rector, Dr. Jean-Maine, who initiated him into the secrets of the Voudon Gnosis. His close collaboration with Jean-Maine, first in Haiti and then later in Chicago lasted until the Voudon master’s death in the early 1980s… Bertiaux stands unique in the spiritual world. His system of occultism and gnosis is unlike any other. Instead of reworking the occult past and clinging to classical theories, he works mainly on gnostic-radionic lines and esoteric creativity. Deeply rooted and based in the magical world and traditions of Esoteric Voudon … Bertiaux has managed to introduce a great number of other spiritual currents into his system… To unite areas so seemingly apart as German Idealism and theosophy, to Shinto and Bon-Po, Bertiaux has spun a metaphysical web connecting and bringing them into occult harmony through the threads … of Esoteric Voudon… To aid in this … metamorphosis Bertiaux also stresses the creative aspects of magic and gnosis. In addition to being a writer and philosopher, he has produced many “evocative” works of art, including paintings that have been used as magical instruments and gateways to the spirit world. He has not only greatly influenced contemporary occult circles and individuals such as Kenneth Grant of the Typhonian OTO, the Chaos magick scene, and Gnostic circles, but also musicians and artists…”“A long-awaited new edition of the seminal text on the spiritual system that is a convergence of Gnosticism and Haitian voodoo, The Voudon Gnostic Workbook is a singular sacred work that is comprehensive in scope–from “how to be a lucky Hoodoo” to how magick and voodoo intersect energetically, to esoteric time travel. Complete with charts and graphs and instructive interdimensional physics, The Voudon Gnostic Workbook is an “object of desire” among students of the occult.“[T]he book itself is somewhat of an “unholy grail.” There are listservers devoted to it and much discussion of the mysteries held within its pages. While The Voudon Gnostic Workbook has remained a controversial book considered important for masters of metaphysics, it recently came into popular culture and renewed popularity when Grant Morrison revealed it had been the inspiration for his cult comics The Invisibles, using the cribbed time travel from Bertiaux’ s masterwork… Launched out of a correspondence course and series of classes for students and followers of Voudon Gnosticism and the OTO, this seminal text is at once one of the most mysterious and magnificent of all esoteric books.” “Everywhere in the Gnostic Continuum, ‘mind’ is active. The Hyde Park Lodge was able to tap into extra-dimensional, transcendental mind-forms, and develop methods to understand and make use of inner-plane communications. Ontological Graffiti details the work which allowed this ability, and serves as a magical record of a group of seekers discovering Gnostic and Vudu pathways and making use of the tremendous energy and knowledge gained from traveling them.” – Michael BertiauxI’m proud to bring you this interview that was created in collaboration with our friends at Black Lotus Kult, who did all the heavy lifting.They’ve also created a new video series exploring a variety of interesting topics with Bertiaux, so be sure to check out the links in the show notes. Like Bertiaux’s books, you’ll find this interview with him to be surprising, insightful, erudite, and very magical. How could it not be? He’s one of the most original, creative, and artistic occultists of the modern age. Enjoy!In the Occult of Personality Membership Section, you’ll find the second half of the interview with Michael Bertiaux featuring some very interesting insights from a living legend. Don’t miss that excellent, exclusive recording. Just go to http://occultofpersonality.net/membership and sign up if you haven’t already. It’s the best way to support the podcast while receiving access to a tremendous amount of additional exclusive content.Thanks for listening and until next time…intro music by Paul Avgerinosoutro music – “Papadambalah” by Axial

P. D. Newman specializes in entheogenic symbolism within Masonic ritual, is the author of the forthcoming book Alchemically Stoned: The Sprig of Acacia and the Psychedelic Secret of Freemasonry, and is our guest in podcast episode 171.“P.D. Newman is a Scottish Rite Freemason and a Masonic Rosicrucian. The focus of his research is on the presence of entheogenic symbolism within Masonic ritual. He has had papers published by a variety of Masonic periodicals and popular websites. His book, Alchemically Stoned: The Sprig of Acacia and the Psychedelic Secret of Freemasonry is planned for release in 2017.”“Alchemically Stoned: The Sprig of Acacia and the Psychedelic Secret of Freemasonry is a ground breaking work by Freemason P.D. Newman, 32° which explores the ceremonial use of the powerful entheogen dimethyltryptamine (DMT) within Masonic ritual. The sprig of acacia is an important symbol within Freemasonry. But, unbeknownst even to the fraternity’s own initiates, the acacia is rich in more than just symbolism. Newman details the actual use of acacia-produced DMT by alchemically inclined Freemasons as early as 1762. His premise challenges everything we think we know about the history, nature, and aims of the Masonic fraternity.”Newman is currently fundraising to support the writing and publishing of his upcoming book. To support his work, visit the GoFundMe page at https://www.gofundme.com/2husmt5w. “With a foreword from Clark Heinrich and an introduction by Dr. David Harrison, Alchemically Stoned: The Sprig of Acacia and the Psychedelic Secret of Freemasonry will be an essential addition to the libraries of psychedelic enthusiasts and Freemasons alike.”Newman is doing serious research on entheogenic symbolism and Masonic ritual, publishing articles in both Masonic and popular venues. He has an extensive background in ceremonial magick and psychedelics, so it with authority that he brings forward his research. Regardless of opinions about his conclusions, this is important research and an area that cannot be ignored. During the interview, I was not nearly as open-minded as I would have preferred and interrupted to voice my own opinion at times, but Newman was gracious and patiently explained his research and conclusions. He’s certainly provided food for thought. I encourage you to read more of Newman’s articles if you find this subject interesting, as well as his upcoming book.In the Occult of Personality Membership Section, P. D. Newman and I continue the interview, discussing the nature of gnosis and his upcoming book Alchemically Stoned. Join us for that fascinating conversation! Go to http://occultofpersonality.net/membership/membership-options/ and Join Now if you haven’t already. It’s the best way to support the podcast while receiving access to a tremendous amount of additional exclusive content!

Acclaimed author Andrew Phillip Smith is our guest in podcast episode 170 to discuss Gnosticism, specifically his book The Secret History of the Gnostics, from Watkins Publishing. “Andrew Phillip Smith is editor of The Gnostic and the author of several books on Gnosticism, esotericism and early Christianity, including the first ever Dictionary of Gnosticism. He has also written for New Dawn, Fortean Times and The Guardian. Originally from Wales he now lives in Dublin.” “The Secret History of the Gnostics offers long-awaited illumination on the mystical movement that teaches ‘gnosis’ – knowledge of God as opposed to unquestioning faith. Acclaimed author Andrew Phillip Smith delves into the myths and practices of this ancient movement, exploring its popularity during 2nd century AD, its subsequent decline under the weight of orthodoxy in the Church, and its present-day resurgence. Gnosticism has traveled a fascinating path – from the Manichaeans in Modern Persia between the 3rd and 7th centuries AD, to the triumphs and tragedies of the Cathars in Southern Europe between the 12th and 14th centuries, to, finally, today’s Mandaeans in Iraq. However, as the author points out, the revival of Gnosticism extends further than these narrow sects, offering inspiration to a legion of literary figures, including Dan Brown and Philip Pullman. Gnosticism’s emphasis on personal over organized religion, in keeping with the doctrine of the early Christian era during which it thrived, has found particular resonance with today’s multicultural world. The Secret History of the Gnostics is not simply an authoritative account of one sect’s practical beliefs and customs – it is, in effect, a manifesto, an appeal to those inspired by or drawn to the Gnostic faith not to forget its origins.”Smith has also written extensively on the Cathars and their connections to Gnosticism in his recent book The Lost Teachings of the Cathars, which we touch upon, but discuss in greater detail in second half of the interview in the Occult of Personality Membership Section. “Centuries after the brutal slaughter of the Cathars by papally endorsed Northern French forces, and their suppression by the Inquisiton, the medieval Cathars continue to exert a powerful influence on both popular culture and spiritual seekers. Yet few people know anything of the beliefs of the Cathars beyond vague notions that they believed in reincarnation, were vegetarians, were somehow Gnostic, and had some relation to Mary Magdalene. The Lost Teachings of the Cathars explores the history of this Christian dualist movement between the 12th and 14th centuries, offering a sympathetic yet critical examination of its beliefs and practices. As well as investigating the origin of the Cathars, their relationship to the ancient Gnostics of the early centuries AD and the possibility that they survived the Inquisition in some way, the author also addresses recent renewed interest in Catharism.”Smith is clearly one of the best modern writers on the subject of Gnosticism and his work is pure gold. I highly recommend his books to anyone interested in Gnosticism, Catharism, and connecting with these philosophies from an accurate perspective, both spiritually and historically.In the Occult of Personality Membership Section, Andrew Phillip Smith and I continue the interview, discussing Catharism and the interest in Gnosticism over the centuries. Don’t miss that excellent conversation. Just go to http://occultofpersonality.net/membership/membership-options/ and Join Now if you haven’t already. It’s the best way to support the podcast while receiving access to a tremendous amount of additional exclusive content!intro music by Paul Avgerinos

Gordon White returns to the show in podcast episode 169 to discuss his recent book The Chaos Protocols: Magical Techniques for Navigating the New Economic Reality. He was previously our guest in episode 162.“The years since the financial crash have seen the realization dawn that the great promise of modern civilization will go unfulfilled. Study hard, work hard, buy a house, retire happy. It’s all a lie, spun for the benefit of a tiny elite. The richest eighty-five people on earth have as much wealth as the poorest 3.5 billion. Each month, the numbers change but they never improve.“Magical and spiritual discourse has failed to keep up with this new reality. The Chaos Protocols aims to fix that.“Join Gordon White as he shows you how to use chaos magic not only to navigate these trying times, but to triumph as well. Discover how to become invincible through initiation, and wage the mind war that will keep you moving toward what you really want. From sigil magic to working with spiritual allies, The Chaos Protocols helps you act on the unwavering belief that your life should matter and you’re not going to let something as trifling as the apocalypse get in the way of it.”“Gordon White runs one of the leading chaos magic blogs, Rune Soup at runesoup.com. He has worked nationally and internationally for some of the world’s largest digital and social media companies. Gordon has presented at media events across Europe on social strategy and the changing behaviors and priorities of Generation Y.”Gordon White appeared previously in Occult of Personality podcast episode 162, talking about his book Star.Ships: A Pre-history of the Spirits. Like before, this episode with Gordon is densely packed with detailed Q & A about his book. I’ve done my best to provide you with an in-depth examination of Gordon’s work because I feel that it is extremely relevant. Additionally, he’s producing some of the best content around. This interview is a real gem, as is Gordon’s book. I recommend both. Enjoy!In the Occult of Personality Membership Section, join Gordon White and I for the continuation of the interview. We continue to discuss “magical techniques for navigating the new economic reality,” including both theory and practice. Join us for that crucial conversation! Just go to http://occultofpersonality.net/membership/ and sign up if you haven’t already. It’s the best way to support the podcast while receiving access to more than a hundred exclusive interviews, lectures, meditations, and more!intro music by Paul Avgerinosoutro music – “Like Tainted Money” by Robert Scott King

Ivo Dominguez, Jr., author of Practical Astrology for Witches and Pagans: Using the Planets and the Stars for Effective Spellwork, Rituals, and Magickal Work, is our guest in podcast episode 168.Ivo Dominguez, Jr. is a visionary and a practitioner of a variety of esoteric disciplines. He has been active in Wicca and the Pagan community since 1978 and has been teaching since 1982. Ivo was a founding member of the first coven of The Assembly of the Sacred Wheel, a Wiccan Tradition where he currently serves as one of its Elders.He is the author of Casting Sacred Space: The Core Of All Magickal Work; Spirit Speak: Knowing and Understanding Spirit Guides, Ancestors, Ghosts, Angels, and the Divine; and Beneath the Skins. Ivo is also a professional astrologer who has studied astrology since 1980 and has been offering consultations and readings since 1988.The main subject of our interview is Ivo’s most recent book, Practical Astrology for Witches and Pagans.“More often than not, people think of astrology as a tool for divination or the exploration of one’s personality. Astrology is considerably more than that. It is a sacred science, a highly descriptive symbolic language, and it is also a technology that can be applied to ritual, herbalism, the use of crystals, and much more.“But it can be daunting to take on the study of Astrology. After all, it’s a field so huge it would take several lifetimes to master it. And that’s why Ivo Dominguez, Jr., wrote this book–to provide practitioners of magick with a Pagan perspective on Astrology and the core concepts of Astrology that are most useful to building rituals and creating effective magick.“When we look at an astrological chart, what we are actually looking at is a map of the multiple planes of existence summarized and flattened into an understandable diagram–a kind of magickal cartogram. Now, what to do with this map? How can we best use it in our magickal work? That’s precisely what you’ll discover in the pages of this concise, focused, and expertly presented book.”Ivo describes the book as “… a practical handbook for any practitioner of magic to use in building individual rituals and creating the most effective magic.” I’d have to agree. I found this book to be very accessible and easily applicable, bringing the reader a much greater understanding of how to effectively employ astrology with magick. I highly recommend it!Ivo also spends time talking about the New Alexandrian Library, and all the planning and work that went into this endeavor.“The NAL is a research and lending library located near Georgetown, DE dedicated to the preservation of books, periodicals, newsletters, music, media, art works, artifacts, photographs, and digital media focused on the metaphysical aspects of all religions and traditions. There is a special focus on the preservation of materials from the Pagan, Polytheist, and Western Mystery Traditions.“Construction finished in December of 2014 and we are in the process of setting up the shelves, unpacking the books, and preparing all systems to open the doors to the public. Both the building and the land are free and clear of any lien or debt.”In the Occult of Personality Membership Section, Ivo Dominguez, Jr. talks about the development of psychic abilities and provides a teaching on protection magick. Several listeners have asked to learn more about protective magick and I’m pleased to have a great teacher like Ivo to address this subject. Join us! Just browse to http://occultofpersonality.net/membership/ and Join Now if you haven’t already. Not only will you get access to this great teaching with Ivo, but also more than a hundred other recordings, all while supporting the podcast. intro music by Paul Avgerinosoutro music – “Bright Stars” by Kurt Hunter

Robert W. Sullivan IV, author of Cinema Symbolism: A Guide to Esoteric Imagery in Popular Movies, returns to the show in podcast episode 167. Sullivan was our guest previously in episode 146 to discuss his prior book The Royal Arch of Enoch: The Impact of Masonic Ritual, Philosophy, and Symbolism.Robert W. Sullivan IV is a philosopher, historian, antiquarian, jurist, theologian, writer, and lawyer. Mr. Sullivan is a Master Mason and 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason. The Royal Arch of Enoch: The Impact of Masonic Ritual, Philosophy, and Symbolism, published in 2012, was his first book being the product of twenty years of research. In 2014 Sullivan published his second book, Cinema Symbolism: A Guide to Esoteric Imagery in Popular Movies.Cinema Symbolism: A Guide to Esoteric Imagery in Popular Movies is about occult, numerological, astrological, mythological, alchemical, Tarot, and kabbalistic iconography and symbolism contained within popular movies. Films analyzed include The Exorcist, The Back to the Future Trilogy, Star Wars (Episodes I-VI), The Lord of the Rings, The Wizard of Oz, Black Swan, 9 ½ Weeks, The Fifth Element, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, the James Bond movies, and The Matrix among many others.Robert Sullivan’s Cinema Symbolism is a tour de force through modern film exploring the esoteric symbolism encoded within popular movies. I appreciate the insight, expertise, and thorough nature of the analysis. The symbolic ideas explored by the book are serious subjects, but it’s still readable at the same time. I also appreciate the authority that Sullivan brings to this subject. Based only on his previous book, The Royal Arch of Enoch, Sullivan is not only highly qualified on the subject of esoteric symbolism, philosophy, religion, and history, but his personal experience with Freemasonry makes his writing on the subject superior to all other analyses of popular entertainment. If you enjoy movies and want to know about the esoteric symbolism some of them convey, this is a must read. Highly recommended!In the Occult of Personality Membership Section, Robert Sullivan continues our discussion about esoteric symbolism in popular film including popular movies as prophecy (9/11) and directory Stanley Kubrick’s film The Shining‘s allusions to NASA and the space program. This second part of the interview with Sullivan was actually the highlight of our conversation and you’ll definitely enjoy it. Just go to http://occultofpersonality.net/membership/ and click Join Now, if you haven’t already. It’s the best way to support the podcast while receiving access to a tremendous amount of additional exclusive content.

Orryelle Defenestrate-Bascule, the internationally acclaimed artist and mage, returns to the show as our guest in podcast episode 166 to discuss his Tela Quadrivium book series, alchemical chess, and his upcoming show at Catland in Brooklyn, New York on June 24, 2016.Orryelle Defenestrate-Bascule is “a prolific visual and sonic artist. Orryelle finds drawing, painting, sculpture, theatre, photography, animation, verse, video, violin and voice effective ways of earthing magickal currents.”Orryelle is intensely creative and deeply versed in esoteric symbolism, making magic through art and performance. His very presence alters the atmosphere in a room and it’s clear that his artwork is integral to his very being, as well as a continuation of an interaction that artists, gods, and goddesses have been having for millennia.“Distillatio is the final volume in Orryelle’s four-fold Alchymic book-web The Tela Quadrivium. For eight years Orryelle worked only in black and white (with touches of gold and silver) for the previous volumes in the series, but in the last few years he has been exploring the alchemy of Colour in diverse media for this culminating volume…“Each volume of the Tela Quadrivium series connects into a multi-directional and spiraling narrative of images, symbols and text to form a greater whole which has now been distilled into completion. As the culminating volume of the Tela Quadrivium, Distillatio provides the reader with the final pieces in an intricate esoteric puzzle, bringing together the book-web entire.”In the Occult of Personality Membership Section, Orryelle talks more about his amazing magical artwork and performances, as well as his recent artist residency at the Star and Snake. Also, Orryelle performs a special chanted incantation that’s not to be missed. Just go to http://occultofpersonality.net/membership/ and click Join Now, if you haven’t already. It’s the best way to support the podcast while receiving access to a tremendous amount of additional exclusive content.