Spirit Box

In this episode, I'm joined once again by the ever-brilliant Joshua Cutchin to discuss his latest book Fourth Wall Phantoms. This conversation is a deep dive into the fertile terrain between fiction and reality, where paranormal phenomena blur into imagination, archetype, and culture. He asks; What if stories were more than just stories? What if fictions came to life? What would that say about our greatest mysteries? What would that say about you?Joshua shares how this book was a cleansing act for him—an unapologetic exploration of how stories, symbols, and media shape and even generate anomalous experiences. We talk about everything from the dream-logic of high strangeness to the surrealist lens through which we might better understand UFOs, spirits, and cryptids.In the Plus show, Joshua notes a striking decline in classic alien abduction reports and explores how new kinds of contact experiences are emerging—ones that seem increasingly visionary, entangled with altered states of consciousness, and reflective of deeper shifts in cultural and psychic landscapes. We also touch on ideas that sit close to my own work: the transformative power of archetypes, the intoxicating grip of creative inspiration, and how folklore is not just a remnant of the past but an active force shaping our present. Joshua’s notion of spirits as stories—brought to life through belief, performance, and imagination—feels especially resonant here.The conversation ends with some potent reflections on the current state of storytelling in Western culture. Are we running out of myths? Is the imagination drying up—or are we standing at the threshold of something new?Show notes:Website & book https://www.joshuacutchin.com/fourth-wall-phantomsKeep in touch?https://linktr.ee/darraghmasonMusic by Obliqka https://soundcloud.com/obliqka

In this episode of Spirit Box, I had the pleasure of speaking with folklorist and writer Scott Richardson-Read the brilliant mind behind Cailleach’s Herbarium. The focus of today's chat is Scott’s new book 'Mill Dust And Dreaming Bread, exploring Scottish folk belief & folk magic'. Together, we explore the deep roots of Scottish folk beliefs, looking at how animistic worldviews were layered over time with Christian, Norse, and Anglo-Saxon influence. Scott introduced me to the Gaelic concept of Dùthchas—the inherited right to place and belonging—and we discussed its significance in shaping Highland identity and political history. We also touched on the shared rhythms of Irish and Scottish Gaelic, the legacy of Alexander Carmichael and the Carmina Gadelica, and the enduring power of charms and spoken magic. One story that really stood out was that of St. Columba lending out his sacred book, only to burn it upon its return—a tale that sparked a discussion about healing, miracle-working, and the threads of folk magic that persist beneath the surface of Christianity. Through it all, Scott painted a vivid picture of a world where people lived in deep, reciprocal relationship with land, weather, ancestors, and the unseen. In the Plus show we ventured deeper into the mythic and cosmological territory of his book. We talked about the Three Worlds, the Primordial Twin, and how these ancient ideas mirror spiritual systems across the globe. We explored the notion of a pact between realms, the sacred nature of hospitality, and what it means to live in a world where everything is animate and interconnected. One of the most fascinating parts of the Plus Show was our discussion on the origins of spoken healing charms—those poetic, potent utterances passed down through families to stop bleeding, mend bones, or ward off illness. Scott spoke beautifully about how these charms carry ancestral knowledge, and I shared stories of people I know who still use them today. We also talked about the Cailleach, the powerful old woman of Gaelic tradition—part ancestor, part deity—who shapes weather and land and who remains a potent figure in both lore and personal practice. Scott spoke about how the Cailleach features in his work and how she represents the deep animism and ecological awareness at the heart of Scottish folk cosmology. We closed our conversation reflecting on the deep-time resonance of folklore—from the Milky Way as the Path of the White Cow to the sacred symbolism of rivers, straw, and cows. This wasn’t just a discussion about stories; it was about remembering who we are, where we come from, and how we might live again in right relationship with the world around us. Show notes:Get the book: https://cailleachs-herbarium.com/sample-page/shop/book/mill-dust-and-dreaming-bread-limited-special-edition/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaftMzheNukHpulzhH64G-Mln_jBm74bDGZYS1g-bIZh1LuZP_COI6SzSnp1Sg_aem_UdtHrClZcQ2j4aUkPomT-QScott's instagram https://www.instagram.com/cailleachsherbarium/Tigh na Bodach https://cailleachs-herbarium.com/2018/01/the-cailleach-scotlands-midwife-tigh-na-bodach/The Three Realms https://cailleachs-herbarium.com/2023/11/scottish-cosmology-of-the-three-realms/St Columba https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ColumbaCailleach https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CailleachBodach https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BodachDonn Dubh

In this episode, I welcome back author and scholar Peter Mark Adams for a rich and far-reaching conversation centred on his upcoming book from Theion Publishing "Ritual & Epiphany in the Mysteries of Mithras – The Secret Cult of Saturn in Imperial Rome" an extraordinary and deeply thoughtful study of the cult of Mithras. Peter takes us through the ancient layers beneath Mithraic practice — its origins, iconography, cosmology, and initiatory structure — tracing a lineage from early Mesopotamian myths such as the Epic of Gilgamesh, through the cultic worship of Saturn, and into the esoteric heart of Imperial Rome. What emerges from his research is a profound view of Mithraism not simply as a Roman mystery cult, but as the survival of a much older, animistic, star-oriented cosmology. It is a vision of reality structured around spirit, fate, celestial forces, and the metamorphosis of the human soul.Peter takes us through the complex ideas behind his thesis weaving in insights from recent advances in anthropology, ethnography, and comparative religion. He draws particularly from the Orphic mysteries to illuminate the metaphysical architecture underpinning the Mithraic rites. We unpack how the mysteries functioned as both a lived, embodied practice and a carefully guarded initiatic system, intended to bring about deep spiritual transformations in their adherents. The conversation explores the mythic grammar encoded in the Tauroctony — the slaying of the bull — not as a static religious image but as a dynamic, performative act tied to the movement of the heavens and the soul's journey through the stars.In the Plus show, Peter also shares fascinating insights into the seven grades of Mithraic initiation, each representing different spiritual and cosmic stations, and the curious fact that while the cult is famous for these grades, only two formal initiation rituals are known. We delve into the frescoes at St. Capua Vetere, rare depictions that provide intimate glimpses into the ritual life of Mithraic initiates, and discuss how sacred art served not merely as decoration but as an active, living technology for transformation.Along the way, we touch on the challenges faced by modern researchers and practitioners in articulating and re-contextualising these ancient experiences in a world that has largely lost the language for mystery. We talk about the difficulty of bridging the gap between ancient participatory worldviews and the post-Enlightenment skepticism that dominates contemporary thought — and how, paradoxically, the sciences of anthropology and archaeology often come closest to glimpsing the ancient mysteries, even as they struggle to fully comprehend them.Show notes:Peter's site https://petermarkadams.comPeter's instagram https://www.instagram.com/petermarkadams/Peter's Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/petermarkadams/postsTheion Publishing https://theionpublishing.com/shop/pma-ritualepiphany/?fbclid=IwY2xjawJt5h9leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHrcrTB0SZCnZKoBiV8ekJtAVHGQawQVzitb5lGAscZwhU94lYmX-PLrQDWW9_aem_NJX2uq5lcQtsID72NJrHJASola-Busca Workshop, Turin https://www.houseofzophiel.com/sola-busca.htmlCosmic or Orphic egg https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cosmic_eggPhanes https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PhanesTauroctony https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TauroctonySt. Capua Vetere https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Maria_Capua_VetereEpic of Gilgamesh https://www.britannica.com/topic/Epic-of-GilgameshOrphism https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OrphismMithras https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MithraismHenosis https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HenosisLeontocephaline https://www.mdpi.com/2673-9461/2/2/3Chora https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KhôraApogenesis https://www.iasdurham.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Hannah_From-Here-to-the-Hereafter-Genesis-and-Apogenesis-in-Ancient-Philosophy-and-Architecture.pdfKeep in touch?https://linktr.ee/darraghmasonMusic by Obliqka https://soundcloud.com/obliqka

Daniel Yates, an artist, writer, photographer, and witch, is the mastermind behind the Occult Library project and the author of 'To Glimpse a Hollow Hill'. He discusses the intriguing complexities of Robert Kirk’s 'The Secret Commonwealth', highlighting the notion of fairies as a sophisticated culture rather than mere fantasy figures. The conversation dives into Kirk’s mysterious life and his intertwining of folklore with Christian themes, the cultural shifts in belief systems, and the nuanced ways of understanding seers and their roles in society.

In this episode of Spirit Box, I sit down with Gabriel Kennedy to discuss his new book, Chapel Perilous: The Life and Thought Crimes of Robert Anton Wilson. We explore Wilson’s life, influences, and enduring ideas, with a particular focus on his concept of Chapel Perilous—an initiatory state of uncertainty, where perception is destabilized, and transformation is possible.Our conversation takes us through Wilson’s time in Ireland, his engagement with esoteric and mystical traditions, and the deep imprint of Irish history and culture on his work. We also examine the broader themes of language loss, intergenerational trauma, and how these forces shape identity and collective memory. Gabriel shares the extensive research that went into writing his book, including interviews with nearly 75 people, and how Wilson’s ideas remain relevant in today’s world of uncertainty and paradigm shifts.In the Plus show, we go deeper into Robert Anton Wilson’s time in Ireland and the profound themes he explored in The Widow’s Son. Gabriel and I discuss how Wilson’s time in Ireland, following personal tragedies, shaped his later works and connected him to the country’s cultural and historical complexities. Through the novel’s protagonist, Wilson examines intergenerational trauma, Irish identity, and the lingering scars of colonial history—ideas that remain deeply relevant today.We also explore the lasting impact of language loss in Ireland, tracing its roots to the famine and the cultural suppression that followed. Drawing on Translations by Brian Friel, we discuss how language shapes perception and identity, and how its revival is an act of cultural reclamation. This ties into a broader conversation on intergenerational trauma, the epigenetic effects of famine and stress, and the ongoing resurgence of ancestral practices like stone lifting and the Irish language.The conversation weaves together mysticism, history, and deep cultural memory—tracing how the echoes of the past still shape the present.Show Notes:Book website Robert Anton Wilson Biography - Explore the Life of a Visionary AuthorProp’s Substack | Gabriel Kennedy aka Prop Anon | SubstackAbout – Gabriel Kennedy – MediumChapel Perilous: The Life and Thought Crimes of Robert Anton Wilson – Gabriel Kennedy’s biography of RAW.Cosmic Trigger: Volume One – Wilson’s exploration of Chapel Perilous and his experiences with synchronicity, psychedelics, and the occult.The Widow’s Son – A novel exploring Irish history, identity, and intergenerational trauma.Prometheus Rising – A deep dive into consciousness, psychology, and personal reality tunnels.The Illuminatus! Trilogy (co-written with Robert Shea) – A countercultural classic blending conspiracy, satire, and esotericism.Translations – Brian Friel’s play about language loss and cultural identity in Ireland.The Graves Are Walking: The Great Famine and the Saga of the Irish People – John Kelly’s historical account of the Irish Famine.The Atlantean Irish – Bob Quinn’s exploration of Ireland’s connections to North Africa and ancient maritime cultures.Grant Morrison Disinfo 2000 speech - Just epic.The White Boys - 18th century Irish direct action society.Coffin ships - a popular idiom used to describe the ships that carried Irish migrants escaping the Great Famine.Bloomsday - annual celebration of the life of James Joyce observed in Dublin on June 16th.Keep in touch?https://linktr.ee/darraghmasonMusic by Obliqka https://soundcloud.com/obliqka

In this episode of Spirit Box, I’m joined by professional occultist Mademoiselle Vendredi for a chat about her recent adventures in Thailand. We discuss Mademoiselle Vendredi’s encounters with local ghosts, spirits, and animist practices in Bangkok, where she was introduced to a world of supernatural entities, offerings, and hidden magical traditions. From her experiences with Thai Buddhist animism to the mysterious sounds of spectral visitors in her room, she shares firsthand accounts of a city teeming with unseen forces.We also explore the unique duality of Thai spiritual life, where Buddhist shrines coexist with older spirit houses, and offerings of red Fanta serve to appease ghosts. Mademoiselle Vendredi recounts her time in Bangkok’s Portuguese quarter, where Catholic and Thai animist traditions merge, and describes her visit to the legendary Amulet Market.A heads-up to listeners: The next section of our discussion touches on necromantic practices and esoteric rituals involving human remains, which some may find upsetting. This is an exploration of historical and cultural practices, not an endorsement or advocacy of them.Our conversation turns to the darker side of Thai occultism, where necromantic practices involving effigies of the spirits of deceased infants, known as Kuman Thong. Mme Vendredi shares insights into these controversial practices, as well as other esoteric rituals involving oils and charms crafted from human remains.In the Plus show, we take a deeper look into the case of Mae Niyam, a spirit whose shrine has become a focal point for those seeking supernatural intervention. Mademoiselle Vendredi shares the eerie story of how Mae Niyam, once a young beauty queen, became a powerful spirit known for granting wishes—so much so that people flock to her shrine to leave offerings of red Fanta and luxury items in exchange for her favor. She recounts her own experiences of receiving assistance from May Neom and how she introduced one of her mentees to the spirit, leading to uncanny results.We also discuss another prominent Thai spirit, Mae Nak, a benevolent entity associated with luck and prosperity. Often depicted as a plump woman in traditional attire, Mae Nak is revered by business owners who set up altars for her in their shops, hoping to attract success.Beyond Thai spirits, we dive into Mademoiselle Vendredi's unexpected encounter with a Bangkok taxi driver who, instead of small talk, launched into an impromptu history of the Chinese ghosts, ancient grave relocations of Bangkok. We explore the significance of these ghost stories, the interplay between Chinese and Thai magical traditions, and how urban legends in Bangkok often stem from real historical events.We round out the Plus show with a discussion on Mademoiselle Vendredi's upcoming travels to Romania, where she plans to explore vampire folklore and connect with practitioners of local magic, as well as her extended stay in London. We also take a closer look at her Pharaoh’s Club—an online space dedicated to magicians and occult practitioners seeking hands-on guidance, practical magical techniques, and insights from her global travels.This episode is a fascinating journey into folk magic, animism, and the intricate interplay between the living and the spirit world. Tune in for an immersive and wide-ranging discussion on magic, spirits, and the unseen forces shaping our world.Show notes:Kuman Thong https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kuman_thongMae Nak https://www.thailandfoundation.or.th/culture_heritage/mae-nak-phra-khanong-thailands-most-famous-ghost-love-story/ Red Fanta https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/thailand-drinksPharaohs Club https://buymeacoffee.com/mademoisellevKeep in touch?https://linktr.ee/darraghmasonMusic by Obliqka   / obliqka  

In this episode of Spirit Box, I’m joined by great Miguel Conner, author of The Occult Elvis and host of the Aeon Byte Gnostic Radio podcast, to explore the esoteric, mystical, and trickster-like nature of Elvis Presley. Miguel is known for his deep dives into Gnosticism, mythology, and the hidden dimensions of history, and his latest book uncovers the spiritual and occult influences that shaped the life of the King of Rock and Roll.Elvis Presley was more than just a music icon—his life was filled with supernatural experiences, metaphysical encounters, and a deep yearning for spiritual truth. Miguel and I discuss how comic books, mysticism, and even extraterrestrials played a role in Elvis’s personal mythology. We examine how his twinless survivor syndrome, childhood poverty, and Southern religious upbringing contributed to his liminal, shape-shifting persona, making him a figure of both divine inspiration and tragic excess.One of the key themes we explore is the crossroads as a site of transformation, a place where the trickster archetype and magical forces converge. Like Robert Johnson, Elvis stood at the threshold between worlds, embodying both the sacred and the profane, the spiritual and the carnal. Was Elvis an egregore of America, a living embodiment of the nation’s deepest desires and contradictions? Did he unknowingly act as a shamanic figure, channeling mystical energies through music and performance?We also delve into Elvis’s mystical abilities, including his alleged powers to stop the rain and move objects with his will, and how these experiences fit into a broader tradition of spiritual adepts, magicians, and prophets. We explore the darker aspects of his spiritual journey, including his encounters with visions of Jesus, Stalin, and his own impending death, as well as the influence of Gnostic ideas on his worldview.The conversation takes a fascinating turn as we connect Elvis’s metaphysical path with that of David Bowie, another artist who engaged deeply with esoteric traditions, Gnosticism, and the occult. Miguel shares insights from his upcoming book on Bowie, discussing how both musicians wrestled with supernatural experiences, cosmic synchronicities, and the burdens of fame as a spiritual path.As we wrap up we take a deeper dive into the hidden esoteric undercurrents of rock music, Elvis’s role in shaping a new kind of mystical pop culture.Thank you very muchShow notes:The Occult Elvis https://www.innertraditions.com/the-occult-elvisMiguel’s website: https://thegodabovegod.com/Miguel’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/AeonByteMiguel’s Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/aeonbyte/Miguel's X page: https://twitter.com/AeonByteMiguel's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC67NBVrem2dRsYUreRyjSsA/feedMiguel's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/aeonbyteMiguel's Rofkin: https://rokfin.com/aeonbyteKeep in touch?https://linktr.ee/darraghmasonMusic by Obliqka https://soundcloud.com/obliqka

In this episode of Spirit Box, I’m joined by Dr. Gregory Shushan, a pioneering researcher on near-death experiences (NDEs). He has spent over 25 years studying historical accounts of NDEs, uncovering their profound influence on religious beliefs, mythologies, and cultural understandings of the afterlife. His research, as explored in his book Near-Death Experiences in the Ancient Civilisations; The Origins of the Worlds Afterlife Beliefs, reveals striking parallels between modern NDEs and accounts from historical cultures, shedding light on how early societies interpreted these extraordinary events.In the show we explore what ancient texts reveal about encounters with the dead, the journey of the soul, and how different civilisations—from Egypt and Mesopotamia to India and Mesoamerica—understood these experiences. Gregory shares fascinating insights into how NDEs may have shaped early ideas of judgment, reincarnation, and the soul’s transition into the next world. His work also investigates the connections between NDEs, shamanism, initiation rites, and visions of the Otherworld, questioning whether these universal phenomena influenced the development of religious traditions across cultures.In the Plus show, we take a deeper dive into Gregory’s upcoming research on Greek and Roman NDEs, as well as lesser-known accounts from indigenous First Nations traditions that challenge modern assumptions about the afterlife.Beyond ancient civilizations, we also examine connections between NDEs and folklore, particularly in Irish fairy lore, where people were said to vanish into the Otherworld and return transformed. We discuss how these stories might reflect ancient beliefs about crossing the threshold between life and death, and how different cultures interpreted the journey between worlds.Show Notes: Dr Shushan's Website https://www.gregoryshushan.com Get the book https://www.amazon.co.uk/Near-Death-Experience-Ancient-Civilizations-Afterlife/dp/1644118688Keep in touch?https://linktr.ee/darraghmasonMusic by Obliqka https://soundcloud.com/obliqka

In this episode, I sit down with Adam Nox for an in-depth conversation on the rich subject matter of his excellent new book The Cult of Two: The uncensored sexual magick teachings of the order of delirious saints.Grounded in esoteric traditions and cutting-edge psychological insights, this compelling guide offers a roadmap to navigate the complexities of love, power, and identity. The Cult of Two is more than a book; it’s an invitation to transform your life through the integration of sexuality, spirituality, and self-mastery.In the conversation We explore the importance of integrating our fears, desires, and addictions, as well as the dangers of using spiritual knowledge as a shield against real growth.Adam shares his insights on the unconscious mind, the deeper meanings within the Tarot, and how magic and psychotherapy can work together. We also discuss the role of somatics in spiritual practice, the risks of premature Kundalini awakening, and the power of self-acceptance in navigating altered states of consciousness.From exploring the Tree of Life and the dark arts to personal stories of navigating danger through human connection, this conversation takes us deep into the realms of esoteric wisdom and self-mastery.In the Plus show, we go even further, taking a deep dive into the mysteries of the Tree of Death—examining its role in spiritual transformation, its relationship to the shadow self, and how working with its energies can lead to profound personal insight.Join us as we explore the intersection of magic, science, and the unconscious mind—this is an episode packed with insight, challenge, and practical wisdom.Show notes:Get the book https://www.amazon.com/Cult-Two-uncensored-teachings-delirious/dp/B0DXN852LDThe Cult of You website https://thecvltofyou.comKeep in touch?https://linktr.ee/darraghmasonMusic by Obliqka https://soundcloud.com/obliqka

In this episode of Spirit Box, we welcome Kate Shelley, a shamanic healer whose journey has been shaped by deep ancestral work, spirit connections, and a profound understanding of emotional patterns in healing. Kate shares how her mentorship with Dr. Helen Ford led her to explore the emotional roots of illness and how these patterns influence our lives across generations.Our conversation touches on the power of walking and talking as a healing practice, the deeply personal nature of spirit communication, and the importance of finding one’s own unique way in working with unseen forces. Kate also opens up about her experiences with neurodivergence, highlighting the intersection of creativity, spirituality, and different ways of thinking.We discuss the balance between science and spiritual growth, the impact of trauma on the nervous system, and how practices like meditation and somatic work can support healing. Finally, we reflect on the challenges and opportunities of living in the modern world, especially for younger generations navigating new paradigms.Show notes:Kate's website https://www.lifemanualreadings.comKate's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lifemanualreadings/Keep in touch?https://linktr.ee/darraghmasonMusic by Obliqka https://soundcloud.com/obliqka