Rune Soup

At this time of year, when many of us are rudely awoken from our hard-earned slumber by multiple ghosts wanting us to support their gofundme or something, I thought we might look at ghosts. What are they? Are they even real? And if they're not, what are they for? And the exploration is framed by a series of strange experiences I had recently at Australia's most haunted site and possibly the cruelest place in the entire British Empire, Port Arthur. Enjoy! PS - Let me also take the opportunity to sincerely thank you for listening, watching, supporting and sharing the various Rune Soup offerings in 2025. Have a wonderful Christmas.

Austin Coppock, a renowned astrologer and educator, returns to share his insights on the future of 2026. He highlights the end of stagnant energy and what to expect during key planetary alignments. Topics include the tumultuous nature of warfare influenced by the Age of Air and major events in April linked to Mars and Saturn. Austin cautions against confusion in March due to retrograde Mercury and discusses the importance of setting intentions in January. He wraps up with thoughts on how to utilize these astrological shifts for personal growth.

Peter Grey, an occult author and co-founder of Scarlet Imprint, discusses his new book, *Lucifer: Praxis*. He explores Lucifer's role in western magic, advocating for individual freedom and rebellion. The conversation dives into why few works focus on Lucifer, the influence of Milton's *Paradise Lost*, and how historical and cultural contexts shape our understanding of this figure. Grey emphasizes the importance of personal practice, moral ambiguity in magic, and the transformative power of Lucifer in one's spiritual journey.

Synchromystic raconteur, author, and pattern seeker Christopher Knowles returns to the show, as well as the wheelhouse, for this one. Not that we would ever need one, but the flimsy excuse for Chris coming back this time is so that we can discuss his amazing new book, XF-ULTRA: The X-Files, Conspiracy Culture, and the National Security State. Can a 90s genre TV-show both explore AND generate high strangeness What happened to our ancient mythology? Who is called to tend the flame of our culture's sacred stories through the chaos all around us? Even if, almost ESPECIALLY if, you've never seen The X-Files before, this journey down to the underworld and back up through the trash stratum of popular culture has wider metaphysical implications that make it essential listening. Show Notes The Secret Sun on Substack. Get XF-ULTRA: The X-Files, Conspiracy Culture, and the National Security State.

Dean Radin, Chief Scientist at the Institute for Noetic Sciences and author delving into consciousness, shares fascinating insights about his new book, The Science of Magic. He discusses stunning meta-analyses revealing improbable results and recounts a spooky tale of a hotel poltergeist. Radin also reflects on his personal spoon-bending experience and how belief structures our reality. He explains the importance of intentional influence and connects psi phenomena to modern science, sparking a conversation about the intersection of magic and consciousness.

Filmmaker Richard Stanley, author of "Otto Rahn: Grail Hunter," shares the fascinating life of Otto Rahn, a gay Jewish scholar turned SS Grail hunter. Stanley recounts his own supernatural encounter at Montségur and reflects on the Cathars' brutal persecution during the Crusades. He discusses the chilling relevance of Rahn's story today and examines the complexities of his legacy, where academic pursuit collided with dark ideologies. The enduring myths of the Holy Grail and the transformative power of mystical journeys also take center stage.

Vanese McNeill, co-producer of the Magical Egypt series, dives into the fascinating world of spirit involvement in human history. She discusses the ontological framework of invisible beings, from the nuances of benevolent to malevolent agendas. The conversation explores the unseen influence of interdimensional intelligences on modern capital systems and the decline of magical literacy among elites. Moreover, Vanese connects rituals from ancient Egypt to contemporary mind control, highlighting the unexpected intersections of AI and spirituality.

Join a reflective journey through life’s uncertainties, where the importance of embracing the present is emphasized. Personal anecdotes shed light on managing stress and fostering growth without the need for guaranteed outcomes. The discussion tackles the psychological impacts of uncertainty and the strategies necessary for navigating life’s major decisions. Listeners will find valuable insights on asking the right questions and honing awareness amidst the challenges of modern living.

Discover how struggling with health and a chaotic internet illuminates the need for authentic co-creation in a distracting media landscape. Explore the decline of online content and the importance of expressing personal experiences. Delve into the stagnation of traditional podcast styles and the push for innovative conversations. Reflect on nostalgia for genuine creativity as the speaker advocates for more human-driven content. It's a thought-provoking journey through the challenges and transformations of modern media.

Dan Waites, host of the World Astrology Report, dives into the depths of astrology and long cycles. He discusses the Kali Yuga's possible conclusion this year and the true essence of the Age of Aquarius. The conversation touches on how outer planets shape new religions and the intriguing intersection of mysticism and science. Waites also reflects on UFOs, lost ancient knowledge, and our relationship with cosmic cycles, revealing how historical truths can shape our present and future.