Weird Studies

The Magician card in tarot serves as a captivating symbol, embodying both mastery and illusion. The conversation humorously explores identities and the complexities of social dynamics, reflecting on the art of presence and strategic exits. It examines the Magician's evolution from a trickster to a mystical figure, while also delving into Nietzsche's ideas on perspective. The dual nature of knowledge and mysticism is highlighted through theological discussions, while the archetype is explored through creative figures like Prospero and Salvador Dali.

In a captivating discussion, Lionel Snell, author, philosopher, and magician, examines how boredom might be an ethical failing in a world full of wonder. He emphasizes finding magic in the mundane, suggesting that true liberation stems from appreciating everyday life rather than chasing excitement. Snell explores the constraints of societal roles on imagination and how different perceptions, or 'reality tunnels,' shape our understanding of truth. He encourages a balance between skepticism and embracing deception to enrich our experiences.

This conversation dives deep into John Carpenter's cult classic, revealing how it blurs the lines between reality and fiction. The hosts dissect Lovecraftian themes and the existential dread that permeates the film, examining the roles of madness and artistic expression. They explore how narratives shape our perceptions of reality while highlighting Carpenter's political critique. With references to philosophical concepts and the impact of ancient evils, they bring to light the chilling resilience of horror in our understanding of existence and creative truths.

Fairy tales are among the most familiar cultural objects, so familiar that we let our kids play with them unsupervised. At the same time, they are also the most mysterious of artifacts, their heimlich giving way to unheimlich as soon as we give them a closer look and ask ourselves what they are really about. Indeed, these imaginal nomads, which seem to evade all cultural and historical capture, existing in various forms in every time and place, can become so strange as to make us wonder if they are cultural at all, and not some unexplained force of nature — the dreaming of the world. In this episode, JF and Phil use "Rapunzel" as a case study to explore the weirdness of fairy tales, illustrating how they demand interpretation without ever allowing themselves to be explained. Sign up for the upcoming course "Writing at the Wellspring" October 22-December 1 with Dr. Matt Cardin on Weirdosphere.org Support us on Patreon. Buy the Weird Studies soundtrack, volumes 1 and 2, on Pierre-Yves Martel's Bandcamp page. Listen to Meredith Michael and Gabriel Lubell's podcast, Cosmophonia. Visit the Weird Studies Bookshop Find us on Discord Get the T-shirt design from Cotton Bureau! SHOW NOTES Walter Benjamin, "The Storyteller" in Illuminations (Hannah Arendt, ed.; Harryn Zohn, trans.). Novalis, Philosophical Writings. (Margaret Mahony Stoljar, trans.). Cristina Campo, The Unforgivable and Other Writings (Alex Andriesse, trans.) William Irwin Thompson, Imaginary Landscape Bruno Bettelheim, The Uses of Enchantment Marie-Louise von Franz,, Swiss Jungian psychologist Sesame Street, “Rapunzel Rescue” Disney’s Tangled The Annotated Brothers Grimm Aarne-Thompson-Uther Index Marina Warner, Once Upon a Time W. A. Mozart, The Magic Flute Dante Alighieri, Il Convito Panspermia hypothesis Gregory Bateson, Mind and Nature John Mitchell, Confessions of a Radical Traditionalist Clint Eastwood (dir.) The Unforgiven Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join acclaimed comic creator Charles Burns as he dives into the surreal world of his graphic novel, 'Black Hole.' He shares insights into the blend of teenage romance and body horror, alongside reflections on the emotional depths of his storytelling. The conversation explores the unique capabilities of comics to merge genres and convey grotesque transformations. Burns also discusses the intricate relationship between words and images, revealing how every detail in his art contributes to a rich narrative filled with beauty and terror of adolescence.

Delve into the magic of storytelling as the conversation highlights the enchanting nature of fairy tales. Explore the eerie themes of isolation presented in the film 'The Quiet Earth' and how childhood memories shape our understanding of narrative. Discover the unsettling aspects of 'the eerie' in everyday life, from empty spaces to the duality of clowns. Finally, enjoy a journey through classic pulp sci-fi, where nostalgia meets genre tropes, enriching the appreciation of this beloved realm.

Daphne du Maurier was a prolific English writer of novels, plays, and short stories resonant with what she termed "a sense of unreality." In this episode, JF and Phil discuss her great short story "Don't Look Now," which Nicholas Roeg famously adapted to the screen in 1973 in a film starring Donald Sutherland and Julie Christie. Recorded live at Shannon Taggart's Lily Dale Symposium on July 25th, 2024, the discussion takes a number of turns, exploring the ghost as an "image of itself," the phenomenon of "deathishness," the experience of derealization, the human capacity to break time, and grief as a rift in time. Visit the Weirdosphere and sign up for JF's upcoming course of lectures and discussions, "Whirl Without End: Fairy Tales and the Weird," starting on September 5th, 2024. Support us on Patreon. Buy the Weird Studies soundtrack, volumes 1 and 2, on Pierre-Yves Martel's Bandcamp page. Listen to Meredith Michael and Gabriel Lubell's podcast, Cosmophonia. Visit the Weird Studies Bookshop Find us on Discord Get the T-shirt design from Cotton Bureau! REFERENCES Daphne du Maurier, "Don't Look Now" Nicholas Roeg (dir.), Don't Look Now Weird Studies, Episode 66 on “Diviner’s Time” Chuck Klosterman, "Tomorrow Rarely Knows” Thomas Mann, Death in Venice Peter Medak (dir.), The Changeling Philip K. Dick, “Schizophrenia and the Book of Changes” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Practicing magicians Alan Chapman and Duncan Barford discuss the parallels between magic, mysticism, and religion, the nature of truth, devotion, and the quest to converse with one's Holy Guardian Angel. They share insights on magic practices, the significance of the guardian angel, truth and beauty, devotion in spiritual practice, and the power of sharing personal experiences in magical practice.

Shannon Taggart, an advocate for the interplay of memory and poetry, joins the conversation to explore how we engage with verses beyond mere memorization. The discussion emphasizes the emotional resonance found in reciting poetry from memory, illustrating the deep connections between bodily experience and artistic expression. Taggart delves into the transformative power of forms like meter and rhyme, while reflecting on the importance of memory in shaping identity and navigating loss. Ultimately, they celebrate poetry as a vital bridge to our past and shared humanity.

Dive into the enigmatic world of the Hanged Man tarot card, a symbol of sacrifice and perspective. The hosts unravel its historical significance and its ties to themes of resurrection and existential mystery. Explore the dark narrative of manipulation and power through the lens of familial dynamics. Discover parallels between St. Peter's upside-down fate and human complexity. The discussion also touches on spiritual enlightenment, the balance of gravity, and Alan Chapman's concept of 'silent knowing,' highlighting how our choices shape destiny.