Not unlike the Celts, if you head to your local New Age Occult store you will notice that there is an overabundance of Runes. From necklace pendants, to books, to divination stones and more- Runes are seemingly overrepresented. But much of what makes Runes so special has been lost in the mix. Here to help us through why Runes are not always what meets the eye in both scholarly and New age circles, is Podcaster and author Siri Vincent Plouff!

It has been quite some time since What Magic is This? has had the chance to talk about one of the most important figures of High Strangeness in the last 100 years. Robert Anton Wilson was a phenomenon unlike any other, but he had a very particular mixture of influences all of which came through in his worldviews and his work. Discussing with Doug why Bob is still a fellow worth knowing and reading, is the one person who started Doug down this very particular path of Magic. We are beyond delighted to finally welcome to the Podcast the counterculture éminence grise- Richard Metzger!

Dive into the world of ghosts, where historical beliefs clash with modern skepticism. Explore chilling cultural significance and unique ghost classifications, from poltergeists to elementals. Discover how storytelling preserves haunting legacies and reflects our emotional ties to the supernatural. Engage with the complexities of death and the paranormal as personal beliefs evolve. Finally, experience the thrill of shared ghost tales within a supportive community. Embrace the spectral possibilities that linger at the edges of our understanding!

Most Grimoires which are housed in the many museums and collections around the world are somewhat well copied documents that seems to have been done by professionals. Yet every once in a while what shows up like a bad penny in these collections are very obviously personal Grimoires that you can tell have been worked on and with by at least one but in some cases a few practicing magicians. What these astounding documents show us within their pages can tell us a lot about not only the times in which they were used, but how magic has evolved through the ages. No one knows Magician's Workbooks quite like the greatest Cunning Man of our age- Dr. Alexander Cummins.

Aaman Lamba, an author and magician with expertise in magic, astrology, and philosophy, dives into the fascinating world of blue grimoires. He discusses the rich history of the Bibliothèque bleue and its cultural impact, particularly during the scandalous Affair of the Poisons. Lamba highlights how these texts democratized magic for everyday people, blending folklore with practical applications. He examines the connections between grimoires and notable figures like Paracelsus, and debunks misconceptions surrounding the Grand Grimoire while showcasing its enduring allure.

José Leitão, a scholar of Portuguese esotericism, takes listeners on a captivating journey through the mystical legacy of Saint Cyprian of Antioch. They discuss Cyprian's fascinating transformation from a pagan magician to a Christian martyr, blending elements of magic and faith. Leitão reveals the historical significance of the Book of Saint Cyprian, its connections to treasure hunting, and its controversial status during Portugal's dictatorship. He also shares personal anecdotes that trace his intrigue with magic from childhood to academia.

Have a listen and be sure to check out my What Magic is This? Bookshop, please! Hopefully all of the show notes book recommendations will be in place and updated by October 2024, but if you have any requests for books that you'd like to purchase that I have recommended through my show notes and I haven't had a chance to change yet, please be sure to email me and I will send you an affiliate link for that title. Happy Shopping, and thank you for keeping Independant Bookshops thriving!

Southeast Asia has always been a place with many magical and animistic cultures. Perhaps no other country in the modern age has such a sycretic and extraordinary Magical environment than the land of smiles- Thailand. From spirits and ghosts to tattoos and amulets to monks and ajarns, Thailand is a place which still lives and breathes magic. Helping us get an introduction to the vast Magical world of the Thai, is author and practitioner of Thai Magic, Peter Jenx!

Aidan Wachter is an author and animist sorcerer whose practice revolves around Unverified Personal Gnosis (UPG). He discusses the importance of subjective experiences in spirituality, advocating for personal insights over traditional beliefs. Wachter highlights the fluidity of magical narratives and the impact of skepticism within the community. He shares his creative process, emphasizing the role of personal experiences in his writing. The conversation also touches on fostering community through platforms like Patreon and the significance of kindness in the magical realm.

For the last 50 years, many people around the world but particularly in the west, identify themselves as a witch and if asked what religion they ascribe to, will say Wicca. Despite what some claim, the roots of Wicca are thoroughly modern and go back no further than the 20th century. Indeed, Wicca has been dubbed the only fully formed religion that England has given the world. Many myths and misconceptions surround Wicca, so much so that even those who claim to be a Wiccan will be unaware of many of the finer details of its origins. To set the record straight is Wiccan Priestess, author and owner of the greatest occult bookshop in the world, Christina Oakley-Harrington!