What Magic Is This?

No doubt we are all familiar with the common story trope of a dusty and haggard book of Magic which is filled with spells, rituals and numerous diabolical looking diagrams. However, these certainly existed and many of them are housed in collections both private and public(ish). The word "Grimoire" got its name as these books were very hard to read and make sense of. Still to this day, if you were to open a translated Grimoire, it will leave one quite confused as to what to make of it. Until now that is. Let's get cracking, we've got some work to do.

Hailed by many as a forefather of modern medicine, the story of Philippus Aureolus Theophrastus Bombastus von Hohenheim, known to the world as Paracelsus- is one of hardship, stacked odds and wonder. While his contributions to medicine and health are being recognized more and more through the centuries, after his passing his legend and myth grew exponentially. A Titan of Magic certainly, on this episode we will be unpacking the vitriolic and brilliant Alchemical Doctor that is Paracelsus!

Saints are everywhere. From street names, to buildings, to the names of certain herbs and plants. For a time, their stories and miracles were familiar to many of us. And yet, when one chooses to look a bit closer at the Saints and the cult of the Saints, something fairly magical emerges. Going through the Saints and their Magic with us, is W.- the host of the excellent podcast about Saints, Folk Catholicism and Mysticism, Saint Anthony's Tongue!

There is a state that occurs right before one falls asleep that is perhaps one of the oddest and trippiest experiences one can have without the use of drugs. This is called Hypnagogia and it occurs every time we fall asleep. Our perceptions become very strange and we can experience many different sensations; sometimes amazing and sometimes terrifying. And yet this state has been utilized by inventors, artists, mystics and prophets to great effect. Joining WMiT? on this episode is friend of the show and fellow onieronaut, The Mad Sorceress Samantha Giacalone!

Back to the Fools Gallery once again, and we have an absolute Titan here. While many of the denizens of the gallery can be said to have changed the world of Magic, few of them can be said to have intrinsically changed the world. Our focus on this episode is the enigmatic and larger than life character that is Helena Petrovna Blavatsky. Some would say that modern spirituality would not be what it is today were it not for her. To bring such a figure into focus, we are joined by Occult Historian, author and Lecturer- the one and only Mitch Horowitz!

Dan Lowe, an expert in the I Ching with 25 years of experience, joins the hosts to discuss the ancient Chinese text as a divinatory tool. They explore the cosmology and metaphysics behind the book, the practice of divination with oracle bones, the historical aspect of the I Ching, and the fascination it holds for them. They also share their personal recommendations for practicing the I Ching and ways to support the podcast.

A form of divination which was immensely popular throughout Europe and Africa for centuries, but is little used these days is Geomancy. Practiced and utilized by all social classes, Geomancy was consulted for its clarity as well as it being so flexible in how one can undertake a reading. Stones, the dirt, dice, coins and even beans were used to cast for 16 unique figures, each with its own idiosyncratic meaning. In an effort to spread the glory of this now somewhat forgotten art, is the Cunning Geomancer Dr. Alexander Cummins!

Many of those who practice Magic and Divination or are just curious about it, will have a deck of Tarot Cards. And yet, most of them have no idea as to how the Tarot cards became something that is to this day one of the most popular forms of divination. On this episode of WMiT? we will be diving into what I consider to be the most interesting aspect of Tarot, which is the history of the cards themselves. Along the way we will explore where they came from, some of the historic decks we still have, as well as a few myths that have accrued around Tarot itself!

Mormonism is an American Religious tradition that started in the early 19th century by one single figure, Joseph Smith. To followers he is considered a prophet and a seer; one who received many revelations in his life which are all part of what makes Mormonism what it is today. Yet, through the years many have taken a closer look at what occurred with Joseph Smith initially at the birth of Mormonism, and have noticed many Occult as well as Masonic Influences. Going through it all, WMiT? is joined by Scholar, Author and Spiritual guide Dr. Nick Literski.

Perhaps the most notorious esoteric secret society of all time, the Rosicrucians still inspire enormous amounts of mystery and interest to this day. Yet what is going on with the Rosicrucians exactly? Where did they come from? Who were the Rosicrucians? Why do they matter still? Was it all some kind of inside Joke? To set all of this straight is the scholar of Western Esotericism and the author of many books which are important to our interests here at WMiT?- the Great Tobias Churton!