Occult of Personality podcast

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.

Gary Lachman, author of The Secret Teachers of the Western World, and many other books on esoteric themes, is our guest in podcast episode 165.“Gary Lachman is one of today’s most respected writers on esoteric and occult themes. His many books – including 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.”“This epic study unveils the esoteric masters who have covertly impacted the intellectual development of the West, from Pythagoras and Zoroaster to the modern icons Jean Gebser and Schwaller de Lubicz.“Running alongside the mainstream of Western intellectual history is another current, which, in a very real sense, should take pride of place, but which for the last few centuries has occupied a shadowy, inferior position, somewhere underground. This “other” stream forms the subject of Gary Lachman’s sweeping history and analysis The Secret Teachers of the Western World.“In this clarifying, accessible, and fascinating study, the acclaimed historian explores the Western esoteric tradition – a thought movement with ancient roots and modern expressions, which, in a broad sense, regards the cosmos as a living, spiritual, meaningful being and humankind as having a unique obligation and responsibility in it.“The historical roots of our “counter tradition,” as Lachman explores, have their beginning in Alexandria around the time of Christ. It was then that we find the first written accounts of the ancient tradition, which had earlier been passed on orally. Here, in this remarkable city, filled with teachers, philosophers, and mystics from Egypt, Greece, Asia, and other parts of the world, in a multi-cultural, multi-faith, and pluralistic society, a synthesis took place, a creative blending of different ideas and visions, which gave the hidden tradition the eclectic character it retains today.“With many detours and dead ends, we now seem to be slowly moving into a watershed. It has become clear that the dominant, left-brain, reductionist view, once so liberating and exciting, has run out of steam, and the promise of that much-sought-after “paradigm change” seems possible. We may be on the brink of a culminating moment of the esoteric intellectual tradition of the West.”“It was, we remember, the fusion of the old and new that characterized the Renaissance, and we seek as similar “Goldilocks moment,” when the balance between the two [modes of consciousness] will be “just right.” And while I am not suggesting that we are definitely on the cusp of a similarly creative time – I make no prophecy of yet another new age – there is no reason to believe such an outcome is impossible. Making it possible is up to us. Any lasting change must first take place in the individual. Future historians will have to determine the outcome and what, if anything, we today have learned from the secret teachers of the western world.” – Gary Lachman, The Secret Teachers of the Western World, p. 464I very much appreciated this most recent book by Gary Lachman because of the way he explores the history of western esotericism by walking the line between initiate and scholar with ease. I also thought the underlying narrative about human consciousness was both necessary and masterfully done. I think this book deserves a place on your shelf and from the interview, the depth of Lachman’s knowledge about his subjects is clear. I highly recommend The Secret Teachers of the Western World.In the Occult of Personality Membership Section, Gary Lachman talks more about his epic tome, The Secret Teachers of the Western World as we continue to explore some of the most important, but lesser known figures in western esotericism. Don’t miss second half of this excellent interview. Just go to occultofpersonality.net/membership 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 Avgerinosoutro music – “Eternal Grace” by Sound of Seventy Three

Nick Redfern, author of Bloodline of the Gods: Unravel the Mystery of the Human Blood Type to Reveal the Aliens Among Us, is our guest in podcast episode 164."Nick Redfern works full time as a writer, lecturer, and journalist. He writes about a wide range of unsolved mysteries, including Bigfoot, UFOs, the Loch Ness Monster, alien encounters, and government conspiracies. Nick has written 33 books, including Men in Black, The Zombie Book, For Nobody’s Eyes Only, Final Events, Secret History, Monster Files, The World’s Weirdest Places, The Pyramids and the Pentagon, and Chupacabra Road Trip. He writes for the MUFON UFO Journal and Mysterious Universe. Nick has appeared on numerous television shows, including The History Channel’s Ancient Aliens, Monster Quest, and UFO Hunters, National Geographic Channel’s The Truth about UFOs and Paranatural, BBC’s Out of this World, and SyFy Channel’s Proof Positive." "Are significant numbers of humanity the product of an ancient and advanced alien civilization? Have we, across the millennia, been periodically modified and refined as a species? In short, has our genetic make-up been manipulated by otherworldly beings that view human civilization as one big lab experiment? "These are controversial and thought-provoking questions. They are also questions that demand answers, answers that may very well be found by examining those people whose blood type is Rh negative. "The vast majority of humankind--85 to 90 percent--is Rh positive, which means a person's red blood cells contain an antigen directly connected to the Rhesus monkey. This antigen is known as the Rh factor. "Each and every primate on the planet has this antigen, except for one: the remaining 10 to 15 percent of humans. If the theory of evolution is valid--that each and every one of us is descended from ancient primates--shouldn't we all be Rh positive? Yes, we should. But we're not. The Negatives are unlike the rest of us. They are different. "They are the unique individuals whose bloodline may have nothing less than extraterrestrial origins."The nature of the differences between Rh blood factors and the origin of those differences are intriguing. The actual evidence presented in the book is interesting and a starting point. The blood factor difference, while intriguing needs more evidence in order to connect it with the the mysteries of the ancient and modern world, in my opinion. You can hear from the interview that Nick has incredible insight, depth of experience, and knowledge about the subject that he generously shares. Read Bloodline of the Gods and decide for yourself!In the Occult of Personality Membership Section, UFOlogist and author Nick Redfern shares his insights about my own UFO experience and its possible meaning, the high-strangeness and associated esoterica connected with UFOs, and more. Be sure to listen to that captivating conversation! Just go to http://occultofpersonality.net/membership/ and click the Join Now button to subscribe. Not only will you receive access to an amazing archive of exclusive content, but you'll also be supporting the show!Nick Redfern's World of WhateverBloodline of the Gods: Unravel the Mystery of the Human Blood Type to Reveal the Aliens Among Us by Nick Redfernintro music by Paul Avgerinosoutro music – "Space Mother Dub" by Liquid Rainbow

Bro. Robert Johnson, the creator, host, and writer for the Whence Came You? podcast, along with Frater O, the co-host and esoteric advisor for the show, are our guests in podcast episode 163.“This site and blog are dedicated to providing insightful information to Freemasons and men interested in Freemasonry. There are Masonic research papers, discussion pieces and some small editorial pieces related to Freemasonry. It is hosted by Robert Johnson, a York Rite Freemason and Knight Templar. He is a husband and father, and in addition is an interfaith minister.”Whence Came You? is the premier Masonic podcast, providing light to Freemasons and men interested in Freemasonry. A weekly show, with over 200 episodes completed and going strong, Whence Came You? is a brilliant method of bringing the history, teachings, and conversations about Freemasonry to the digital age. Robert Johnson and his co-host Frater O do a superb job of exploring the esoteric aspects of Freemasonry and the world in general, fulfilling a need for many Masons.In addition to hearing about Bro. Robert’s and Frater O’s interest in esotericism and Freemasonry, Robert explains his journey to begin the Whence Came You? podcast and how it’s grown so prominent in a relatively short time. We also spend a considerable portion of the interview discussing a couple of state grand lodge edicts that expelled Masons for homosexuality in one case, and for pagan religious beliefs in another. Robert wrote a strongly worded statement (“Forcing Accountability“) detailing his thoughts about the situation and expressing his vehement disagreement with these expulsions. This leads into a conversation about equality and Freemasonry more generally that was unexpected and perhaps a bit challenging.It was an honor and great joy to be able to talk with Bro. Robert and Frater O about their show and Freemasonry in general. If you’re interested in Freemasonry, the esoteric, Masonic history, and current events within the fraternity, Whence Came You? podcast is required listening. But even if you’re not a Mason, the show is so well done and interesting that there’s something there for anyone interested in Western esotericism and fraternity.In the Occult of Personality Membership Section, Bro. Robert Johnson and Frater O share their insights into the esoteric significance of the Three Degrees of Blue Lodge Masonry connected with the occult anatomy of man, the concept of primordial consciousness, how to find the esoteric hidden in plain sight, and much, much more! Join us for that excellent second half of the interview by going to occultofpersonality.net/membership and clicking the Join Now button to subscribe.