Spirit Box

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

In this episode of Spirit Box, I sit down with Joshua Cutchin and Ryan Grulich to discuss their latest film project, The Lady of the Lake. The true crime documentary follows investigator Amanda Paulson and her team as they delve into the chilling case of Hallie Illingworth, a local woman who disappeared in 1937 and was found three years later in Lake Crescent under disturbing circumstances. Her body, eerily preserved with a soap-like texture, raised more questions than answers about what really happened to her. As Paulson's team digs deeper, they uncover unsettling truths about Hallie’s tragic fate, revealing a history of violence and long-buried secrets. The investigation leads them beyond the mystery of Hallie's death, unraveling a web of disturbing stories that have remained hidden for decades and uncovering a horrifying truth about the lake's dark past and the fate of those who enter its depths.What I found particularly compelling about this project is how it challenges traditional true crime storytelling—rather than sensationalising the victim’s fate, Joshua and Ryan emphasise her humanity, offering a narrative that is both deeply personal and powerfully unsettling. We also explore the film’s folkloric and paranormal elements, discussing how myth-making shapes our understanding of places and events.Beyond The Lady of the Lake, our conversation expands into the broader theme of re-enchantment and cultural transformation. We discuss how Western society is slowly shifting away from rigid materialism towards a more spiritually integrated worldview—one where folklore, consciousness, and the unexplained are no longer dismissed but embraced as essential parts of our reality. This shift is something I’ve explored in many episodes, and here we consider how storytelling, film, and other media are playing a key role in rekindling a sense of mystery and wonder in the modern world. In the Plus Show, we take a deep dive into Joshua and Ryan’s upcoming UFO documentary series. They share insights into how they’re approaching the project, looking at UFO encounters not just as unexplained aerial phenomena but as events that have shaped human spirituality, belief systems, and cultural evolution. We talk about the challenges of tackling the extraterrestrial and interdimensional hypotheses, the reluctance of mainstream figures to engage with esoteric subjects.This was a fascinating conversation that weaves together true crime, folklore, and the unexplained, uncovering the deeper connections between these worlds. Tune in for an exploration of mystery, mythology, and the shifting tides of human consciousness.Show notes:Creepy Kingdom ⁠https://www.creepykingdom.com⁠Trailer ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWnPTOcEZ-Q&t=76s⁠Joshua Cutchin ⁠https://www.joshuacutchin.com⁠LOTL on instagram ⁠https://www.instagram.com/theladyofthelakedoc/⁠Keep in touch?⁠https://linktr.ee/darraghmason⁠Music by Obliqka ⁠https://soundcloud.com/obliqka

David Pantano, a historian and keen researcher of esoteric traditions, delves into the life and teachings of Marco Daffi, a fascinating figure in alchemical hermeticism. He unveils Daffi's writings on personal transformation and the complexities of karma, drawing connections between Hermetic and Eastern practices. The discussion reveals Daffi's unique methods for self-awareness, the significance of rites like the Trial of the Magus, and the symbolism within his works. Pantano also hints at his upcoming exploration of the Hermetic Book of the Dead.

In this episode of Spirit Box, I’m joined by the multitalented Carl Abrahamsson, a photographer, a writer, filmmaker, and magician deeply embedded in the world of esotericism.We discuss his latest book, Meetings with Remarkable Magicians: Life in the Occult Underground, which explores his encounters with some of the most fascinating figures in contemporary esotericism, offering unique insights into their practices, philosophies, and influence on modern occult culture.Carl shares his creative journey, from his early influences—shaped by avant-garde art and music—to his academic work on Aleister Crowley’s influence in cinema. He provides insights into his experiences with notable occult figures, including his time with the Church of Satan and his connections to Kenneth Anger and Genesis P. Orridge.In the Plus show, we delve into the role of artists as vessels for magical currents, the impact of psychedelic experiences on art, and the necessity of holistic approaches to modern challenges. Along the way, we touch on everything from the power of old films to the importance of trusting one's inner voice. We also explore the evolving landscape of occult publishing, the mainstreaming of esoteric thought, and the importance of creativity as a means of self-discovery.Join us for a wide-ranging conversation on magic, creativity, and the ever-changing nature of the occult underground.Show Notes:Carl's websitehttps://www.carlabrahamsson.comMeetings with Remarkable Magicians: Life in the Occult Undergroundhttps://www.amazon.com/stores/Carl-Abrahamsson/author/B0773LJ92XCarl's Substackhttps://thefenriswolf.substack.comPatreonhttps://www.patreon.com/vanessa23carlLucifer Risinghttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yc24lIdb_8The Holy Mountainhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avTOLTUqf1w&rco=1Sergei Eisensteinhttps://www.britannica.com/biography/Sergey-EisensteinBattleship "Potemkin" by Sergei Eisensteinhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_bkBbrdyywEisenstein on Joycehttps://www.nova-nevedoma.com/eisenstein-about-joyce/Kenneth Angerhttps://www.anothermag.com/design-living/14890/cult-filmmaker-kenneth-anger-on-his-relationship-with-the-occultAnton LeVayhttps://www.britannica.com/biography/Anton-LaVeyGenesis P. Orridgehttps://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/mar/15/genesis-p-orridge-obituaryKeep in touch?https://linktr.ee/darraghmasonMusic by Obliqkahttps://soundcloud.com/obliqka