In this episode, I sit down with the brilliant Andrew Collins to dive into his astonishing new book on Karahan Tepe. This ancient site in Turkey has fascinated me for years, and Andrew’s research takes its significance to a whole new level. We explore the origins of myths, the symbolism of serpents and birds as depicted at Karahan Tepe and Göbekli Tepe, and the potential relationship with the Milky Way. Andrew shares incredible insights from his journeys to Karahan Tepe and nearby sites which are revealing more and more about the sophistication of the ancient people who created them. We also discuss some of the big questions about humanity’s past, from the Watchers and Nephilim to the Yazidi black snake and the cosmic serpent myths found across cultures. Andrew ties it all together with his thoughts on cosmic cycles, cataclysmic events, and their influence on spiritual practices. Plus Section:We dive into the historical and mythological significance of the Garden of Eden. Andrew shares his theory that the Garden was a real place located in Eastern Turkey, identifying the four rivers mentioned in the Bible. He recounts local legends about Adam and Eve and connects the story’s serpent to the cosmic Milky Way serpent and the stars of Scorpius. We also touch on Andrew’s recent experiences in Turkey, including a haunting Jinn encounter at a cave tied to the goddess Ishara. This conversation is packed with extraordinary revelations and thought-provoking ideas. I loved every second of it, and I think you will too. Show Notes:Andrew's website https://www.andrewcollins.com The Book https://books.innertraditions.com/karahan-tepe/Karahan Tepe https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karahan_TepeTours https://www.megalithomania.co.uk/turkey.html Jinn image https://www.instagram.com/p/C5T9lWyMXhr/?img_index=1Yazidism https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yazidism#:~:text=Yazidism%2C%20also%20known%20as%20Sharfadin,are%20a%20Kurdish%2Dspeaking%20community.My photos of Göbekli Tepe https://www.darraghmason.com/index/G00004PhxB5.ZTXQMy photos of Harran https://www.darraghmason.com/index/G0000tRVakEIGlNk

In this episode of Spirit Box, I’m joined by C.R. Sanders a practitioner with over 25 years of specialised practice in tarot, astrology, healing modalities, folklore, and the paranormal. Beyond his deep esoteric knowledge, C.R. has built a career producing acclaimed television and film content. Our chat dives into the fascinating intersections of UFO phenomena, folklore, and the supernatural. C.R. shares his wealth of experiences investigating UFO encounters and ghost stories, offering profound insights into the cultural and spiritual dimensions of these phenomena. Here’s what we cover: The connections between UFO encounters and ancient folklore, such as parallels with the Virgin Mary, the Fairy Queen, and other global mythologies. The overlap between UFO/UAP communities and occult practices—and the challenges of bridging these differing perspectives. Firsthand accounts of UFO sightings, including stories of implants, time distortions, and radiation burns, all set against the backdrop of humanity’s longing for the extraordinary. The decline of imagination in modern culture and the need for authentic creativity in art and storytelling and the need for discernment online. The tension between scientific materialism and paranormal phenomena, with C.R. advocating for a more open-minded exploration of ESP and mystical experiences. We continue in the Plus show with the first hand accounts and get into: The decline of imagination in modern culture and the need for authentic creativity in art and storytelling and the need for discernment online. The tension between scientific materialism and paranormal phenomena, with C.R. advocating for a more open-minded exploration of ESP and mystical experiences. Enjoy! Show notes:C.R.'s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/misterxofer/C.R.'s website https://lalanomicon.com/home/Knock Apparition https://aleteia.org/2021/08/21/eyewitness-accounts-of-our-lady-of-knockCosmic Trigger https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cosmic_Trigger_trilogyRobert Anton Wilson https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Anton_WilsonJoshua Cutchin https://www.joshuacutchin.comSt Oliver Plunkett https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oliver_Plunkett More on St Plunkett http://www.saintoliverplunkett.com/index.html#top Keep in touch? https://linktr.ee/darraghmason Music by Obliqka

In this episode, I sit down with Nathaniel to explore his fascinating work and groundbreaking theories on paranormal phenomena. Nathaniel introduces the concept of Necronetics, a framework that connects possession, pregnancy, and otherworldly encounters as processes that replicate life forms. We dive into the evolution of certain beings and phenomena, discussing how they often manifest in archetypal forms that mirror humanity’s collective consciousness. The first 15 minutes or so of this show were lost to the Streaming Gods so we join mid the conversation. Our conversation takes us into deep and, at times, unsettling territory, touching on the nature of gods, religion, and the ways these ideas shape our understanding of spiritual and supernatural encounters. Nathaniel shares the challenges he’s faced during his research, from the potential dangers of diving too deep into these mysteries to deciding how and where to share his findings with the world. We also draw intriguing connections between his work and Whitley Strieber’s studies on interactions with the dead, exploring what these encounters might reveal about consciousness and the unseen. Nathaniel gives us a glimpse into his upcoming book, Skin That Crawls, which will serve as an introduction to necronetics and lay the groundwork for further exploration of his theories. As his research evolves, this conversation offers a compelling look at the mysterious links between life, death, and the forces that exist beyond our understanding. In the Plus show we get deeper still into these topics really delving into the shadowlands of this subject matter. I strongly advise you to do so as this maybe the last time we have Nathaniel on the show as he maybe ending his research into this area because it has become so intense and the phenomena has been pushing back on him. Show notes: Nathaniel’s Instagram   / thenathanielgillis   Nathaniel’s YouTube    / @nathanielj.gillis5466   Keep in touch? https://linktr.ee/darraghmason Music by Obliqka   / obliqka  

In this episode of Spirit Box, I spoke with Vic Hyland, musician, teacher, and author, about creativity, NLP, and music’s connection to magic. We delve into Vic's book 'Music Magic and NLP' wherein Vic shared his insights into the "cut-up" technique—a method popularised by David Bowie and William S. Burroughs—that involves rearranging words and phrases to unlock creative flow. This approach, Vic explains, extends beyond music and can spark ideas in all kinds of fields by tapping into the subconscious and reshaping our perceptions. We also discussed "sliding door moments," those pivotal life junctures where a single event can change everything, often guided by a mix of art, intention, and subconscious forces. Vic shared examples from music, showing how songs and symbols sometimes act as "hyper sigils"—shaping reality in unexpected ways. This led us to explore creativity’s link to manifestation and consciousness. While I’m somewhat skeptical about manifesting through thoughts alone, Vic and I agreed on the importance of engaging the subconscious meaningfully. He emphasized that true creativity requires shifting between “gears” of consciousness, balancing conscious effort with subconscious flow. In the Plus show, we delved into the deeper purpose of creativity, beyond entertainment or self-expression. For both of us, art, music, and storytelling aren’t just about creating; they’re about transforming consciousness, connecting people, and deepening our understanding of the world. Vic illustrated this beautifully, noting that creativity was once about gathering together, changing perspectives, and tapping into something magical that logic alone can't touch. In a world increasingly skeptical of the mystical, it was refreshing to reflect on the power of art to reconnect us with wonder and a sense of the unseen. Show notes: Website & Book www.vichyland.com https://amzn.to/3AGFobz  Music summer school www.Bluescampuk.co.uk Creative Podcast  https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast... The Cut Up method https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-3... Burroughs and Bowie on the Cut Up technique https://www.oca.ac.uk/weareoca/creati... William Burroughs https://www.britannica.com/biography/... Keep in touch? https://linktr.ee/darraghmason Music by Obliqka   / obliqka  

In this episode of Spirit Box, we welcome Todd Elliott to discuss his forthcoming book, The Cunning Farmer: Agrarian Magical Practices, Mythology, and Folklore. Todd shares deep insights on time deities, cosmic and natural cycles, and their impact on both mystical and agricultural practices. We delve into his research on weather sorcery, earth energies, and building relationships with land spirits and sacred spaces, blending myth, folklore, and practical magic to honor the land. In the plus show, Todd offers his best tips for maximizing calorie yield per square foot and shares wisdom on cultivating a harmonious relationship with the land. With over twenty years in magical practice and farming, this episode is packed with essential knowledge for modern mystics and agrarians alike. Show notes: https://thecunningfarmer.substack.com/ Keep in touch? https://linktr.ee/darraghmason Music by Obliqka https://soundcloud.com/obliqka

Welcome to Spirit Box! In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Lenni George and Dr. Nat Clegg, founders of the House of Zophiel. Based in Turin, Lenni and Nat organize and run magical and esoteric-themed events for the curious and the seeker alike. Nat shares his thoughts on using creativity as a bridge between the conscious and subconscious, and explores the difference between Art and Creativity. Lenni focuses on “green work” in gardens to access magic and healing, and we'll also discuss her Moon Garden, dedicated to the Goddess Hekate. Turin itself is a city steeped in magical history, known as one of the vertices of both the black and white magic triangles in Europe. It's said to be a crossroads of spiritual energy, with links to both divine light and occult darkness. The city’s esoteric traditions stretch back centuries, making it a key location for those interested in the occult. We’ll explore how these magical forces influence the work of the House of Zophiel and the city’s lasting mystical legacy. Additionally, in the Plus show, we’ll dive into their psychic questing in the UK and beyond, exploring healing places and landscapes where tragedies have occurred—and much more.Show notes: https://www.houseofzophiel.nethttps://www.instagram.com/houseofzophiel/https://www.facebook.com/houseofzophiel https://blog.musement.com/us/esoteric-turin-a-journey-between-white-and-black-magic/https://www.hotelconcordtorino.com/en/magic-esoteric-tour-turin.htmlOccult Turin https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ufF12q15gE Keep in touch? https://linktr.ee/darraghmason Music by Obliqka https://soundcloud.com/obliqka

Today, we’re honored to have a guest who embodies the true spirit of a warrior. Tom "The HeadHunter" Higgins is a 2x Catch Wrestling World Champion, a Jiu-Jitsu black belt, and a respected coach. He’s not just a competitor he's also inspiring a whole generation of grapplers to take up the virtually lost Irish martial art of Collar and Elbow wrestling. Tom takes us through the world of Catch Wrestling and Collar and Elbow and talks to how his practice influenced his spirituality including an incredible mystical experiences at Clochafarmore, the place where Cuchulainn is said to have made his last stand.We get into Irish stick fighting, the history of fraction fights and my time with shooting an essay with Kusthi wrestlers in New Delhi.Enjoy!Show notes:https://www.instagram.com/headhunterhiggins/https://www.instagram.com/wrestling_wars/ https://www.youtube.com/@HeadhunterhigginsCúchulainn's Stone   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ClochafarmoreThe Morrígan  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_MorríganCollar and Elbow https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collar-and-elbow Tom's Collar and Elbow playlist https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huYz3jyAYac&list=PL-QH2AO3ZwNUcWdqBDa0E1RAaYN6jtO50Catch wrestling https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catch_wrestlingBataireacht Irish Stick Fighting https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20221016-bataireacht-the-ancient-irish-martial-art-making-a-comebackFraction Fighting https://www.museum.ie/en-IE/Collections-Research/Folklife-Collections/Folklife-Collections-List-(1)Video on Fraction fighting https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsznbC-Y61kDonnybrook https://grammarist.com/interesting-words/donnybrook/My photo essay on Kusthi Wrestlers https://www.darraghmason.com/index/G0000GfXkTgiFkjg Keep in touch? https://linktr.ee/darraghmason Music by Obliqka https://soundcloud.com/obliqka

Rose Auroras, a sorceress and seer specializing in Faery and Elf-related issues, shares her insights into these enigmatic beings. She describes her spiritual lineage and the challenges of engaging with the Good People and Alfar. Rose discusses the complex relationships humans can have with these entities, including the dangers of jealousy and enchantment. Her experiences with scrying reveal fascinating encounters with Dark Man spirits. This captivating conversation bridges folklore and personal anecdotes, highlighting the beautiful yet perilous nature of interacting with the mystical.

Today we are joined by Mark Steeves, the host of the My Family Thinks I'm Crazy and Esoteric America Podcasts, joins us to talk about the research he's done into the strangeness of his hometown of New Haven and the greater New England area. We get into Skull and Bones, Geronimo, Saturnian and Egyptian architecture, ancient America, hidden history, and so much more. In the Plus show we go to a lot of places including giants in native folklore. Enjoy! Show notes: https://www.patreon.com/MFTIC?fan_landing=true https://www.myfamilythinksimcrazy.com https://www.instagram.com/myfamilythinksimcrazy/?hl=en Keep in touch?https://linktr.ee/darraghmason Music by Obliqka   / obliqka  

Today we welcome Ivy Bromius. Ivy combines  skillsets in a unique way that serves her clients to make the most of their lives and create the future they want. Drawing on her professional career Ivy has worked through how Project Management and magic can work together for better outcomes in ones practice. She has christened this practice as PMPM (Practical Magic Project Management). We also get into Ivy's work on The Cancer Grimoire. Which is the product of how Ivy approached her cancer diagnosis and treatment as a initatory experience, exploring the healing potential of integrating the strengths of Western medicine with non-materialist healing practices through an enchanted perspective.Enjoy!https://circlethrice.com/https://circlethrice.com/project/the-cancer-grimoire/https://circlethrice.com/category/pmpm/ Keep in touch? https://linktr.ee/darraghmason Music by Obliqka https://soundcloud.com/obliqka