Podcast 53 - Poke Runyon

Carroll “Poke” Runyon is the Archimage of Ordo Templi Astartes, the longest running, continuously operating magical lodge in the U.S.A. He and his order have published a remarkable series of books and videos detailing their Workings in Solomonic Magick, scrying, and seasonal rites.

Book of Solomonic Magick

Our conversation begins as Poke describes his early life and how he became interested in esoteric ideas and practices, primarily for health reasons. We discuss the various aspects and practices that encourage personal unfoldment, including certain yogic disciplines, universal archetypes and symbolism, and relating scientific concepts to more ancient Hermetic ideas. Poke then gets into discussing using self-hypnosis as part of the scrying process and how he discovered this important ingredient. From there we get into talking about Phoenician Canaanite religion and mythology as well as the seasonal rites that celebrate them.

Rites of Magick

Phoenician Canaanite religion is directly related to the concept of the Temple of Solomon and builder Chiram Abiff. Next, we discuss the the Lost Word of Freemasonry. Poke explains how the legend relates the concept that, “Only the Kings still understand that the Lost Word is Light within us all.” Poke tells us how, historically, Freemasonry has always provided a common ground for men of different faiths and creeds to come together as equals. He also discusses the more modern transformations that have occurred, specifically with regard to the 28th degree of the Scottish Rite - The Knight of the Sun or Prince Adept.

Knight_of_the_sun

Then we talk about Poke’s film, “Beyond Lemuria: The Shaver Mystery and the Secret of Mt. Shasta.” He describes the way he was fascinated by Richard Shaver and had his own experience on Mt. Shasta. The film has several notable occult authors cast as archetypal teachers and a story that employs mystery, myth, magick, and spirituality to take the viewer on a journey.

Beyond Lemuria