What Magic Is This?

One of the longest enduring afterlife beliefs that we have is reincarnation. The thought goes that once we pass away, some part of us is reborn into a new person; a new body, and that life continues again and again and again. Many cultures throughout the world and throughout time have held this belief to be fundamentally true. It has only been in the last 70 years, that certain scientists and researchers have been seriously investigating claims from people that say that they have experienced a life before the one that they are currently living. The evidence that something truly profound and perplexing is happening, is irrefutable.

One of the oddest and least talked about aspects of the Paranormal and the Supernatural is something called fictional incursions. Simply put, this is when certain ideas, characters or details of narrative stories seems to in some way come alive, not only to their creators but to those who are familiar with the stories. As crazy as it sounds, in some way stories are alive and show themselves to us in certain situations. There is no other group of people that this occurs to more in Western Culture than Magicians and Occultists. Here to pull apart and examine this extremely odd phenomenon are Magician Wren Collier and the author of a new book which delves into this occurrence, Joshua Cutchin!

The interest in the history of magic, witchcraft and the occult has seen a discernible rise in the last 25 years. In many cases, our picture of its story through the ages has been made much clearer. This is certainly true for Solomonic Magic, a form of magic in which the magician takes their rituals from Grimoires in order to evoke spirits and bind them to do their bidding. However, new research and perspectives have urged us that we might need to revise our understandings of this powerful and alluring variety of magic. It's time for a revisit.

Explore the intriguing world of demonology and its impact on society throughout history. Discover how cultural attitudes and Christian doctrine shaped perceptions of magic and witches. Delve into the chilling tales of witch hunts fueled by fear and misogyny, as highlighted in texts like the Malleus Maleficarum. Learn about Reginald Scott's radical views that questioned traditional beliefs and challenged the narrative of witchcraft. Finally, reflect on the evolution of these beliefs and their connections to modern mental health paradigms.

Dive into the intriguing world of angels, exploring their role as messengers across cultures and throughout history. Discover the transformative power of nature through personal camping experiences that evoke deep connections. Unravel the fascinating intersections between angels, UFOs, and fairies, revealing the complexities of mystical encounters. Delve into the blend of necromancy and angelic magic in historical practices, while contemplating the true essence of these enigmatic entities in modern spirituality.

Excellent news, weirdos- The Great What Magic is This? Podcast Hiatus of 2025 is coming to an end! The show will be returning shortly with a newish presentation and new ambitions. It's a little bit of a restoration of the values and ambitions which started the show back in 2019. And why not share the news on the 6th Anniversary of the first episode of What Magic is This? being released. I hope you're excited!

One of the most asked questions that I get, is about something which has already been covered on the podcast previously but perhaps needs a bit more context. Hermeticism is hard to get one's head around already, but what does somebody who calls themself a "Hermeticist" actually believe and more than that- what do they actually do? Taking us through this form of mysticism, and as a bonus, how Magical Timing can help your magic is my favourite person to talk to about Magic- The one and only Sam Block.

Happy 2025 Humble Listeners! We made it! I thought that this would be an appropriate time to make a small announcement. Please be sure to have a listen to get some news regarding What Magic is This? Podcast, the What Magic is This? Patreon as well as me- Your favourite Podcast host for the last five and a half years. Stay Luminous!

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!