23 posts tagged “astrology”
In podcast episode 71, our good friend Mitch Horowitz returns for the second part of our conversation about his excellent new book, “Occult America: The Secret History of How Mysticism Shaped Our Nation” published by Bantam (if you haven’t already, please listen to the first part of the interview – Mitch Horowitz and “Occult America” pt.1). Mitch is the editor-in-chief of Tarcher / Peguin in New York and has also been our guest previously in podcast 21, Podcast 42 – The Life and Work of Paul Foster Case, and Podcast 48 – The Life and Work of Col. Henry Steel Olcott.
Mitch begins this interview by recounting the story of Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism. Smith was raised in the Burned-over district in upstate New York and he and his family were steeped in supernatural ideas and practices, including astrology and magic. Knowledge of the occult and folklore traditions of the Burned-over District are integral to understanding Smith and his family. For example, as a young man, Smith earned money using “seer stones” to find buried treasure.
Mitch explains how the background knowledge about Joseph Smith may allow us to understand his later experiences that led to the founding of his church in a different way. Smith was also a Freemason and Masonic philosophy, rites, and symbols influenced his religious practices.
Next, Mitch reviews the origins and continued popularity of the Ouija Board. Although it is marketed as a toy or game, there are many examples of paranormal activity associated with its use.
Last, Mitch delves into the story of Edgar Cayce. An extremely popular medium, Cayce is notable for the tremendous number of accurate predictions and readings that he gave while in a trance state. Mitch also highlights the high moral character of Cayce and its importance in the growth of New Age ideas and philosophies.
Again, I highly recommend “Occult America: The Secret History of How Mysticism Shaped Our Nation” by Mitch Horowitz. It is a well-researched, well-written and a crucial record of the hidden history of the United States.
relevant links:
“Occult America: The Secret History of How Mysticism Shaped Our Nation” by Mitch Horowitz
Mitch Horowitz and “Occult America” pt.1
Podcast 42 – The Life and Work of Paul Foster Case
Podcast 48 – The Life and Work of Col. Henry Steel Olcott
“Burned-over District” Wikipedia entry
“Joseph Smith, Jr.” Wikipedia entry
“The Magus” by Francis Barrett
“Three Books of Occult Philosophy” by Henry Cornelius Agrippa of Nettesheim
“Book of Mormon” Wikipedia entry
“Mormonism” Wikipedia entry
“Latter Day Saint movement” Wikipedia entry
“William Morgan (anti-Mason)” Wikipedia entry
“Joseph Smith Birthplace Memorial” Wikipedia entry
“Ouija” Wikipedia entry
“The Changing Light at Sandover” Wikipedia entry
“Edgar Cayce” Wikipedia entry
Association for Research and Enlightenment
intro music by HipGnosis
background music by Darkfold – “Nomads”
outro music by William Zeitler – “The Fixed Stars, the Frontier to the Beyond”
download .mp3 podcast file -- http://media.blubrry.com/occultofpersonality/www.occultofpersonality.net/wp-content/uploads/OoP_Podcast71_OccultAmerica_2.mp3
In this episode, we’re joined by Aepril Schaile. “Aepril is an astrologer, musician and composer, talented dancer and dance teacher, writer and storyteller, mythologist, animal rights advocate, and Witch.” She has been called “an American priestess of the Dark Goddess” and her performances are quite extraordinary. Our conversation begins as Aepril describes her early life and interest in the esoteric. From there we begin talking about her dancing, belly dance, and the combination of mythology, Magick, Astrology, theater, performance, and the creation of Beauty.
Aepril talks about identifying with darker feminine archetypes and how this influences her Work. She provides her perspective on being a Witch, living in Salem, Massachusetts, and some of her teachers and influences.
The conversation turns to Astrology, correspondences, her experience with the insights it provides, and her connection with Plutonic energies. Aepril explains how all of these esoteric and theatrical disciplines fit together for her and, lastly, hopes for the future of that Work.
relevant links:
“Aepril Schaile and Exquisite Corpse Dance Theater” Facebook page
“Belly dance (Origins)” Wikipedia entry
“The Soul’s Code: In Search of Character and Calling” by James Hillman
“Technicians of Ecstasy: Shamanism and the Modern Artist” by Mark Levy
“Mysteries of the Dark Moon: The Healing Power of the Dark Goddess” by Demetra George
“Life After Death: The Burden of Proof” by Deepak Chopra
intro music by HipGnosis (latest album)
outro music by Aepril Schaile and The Judgement - “A Gathering of Shades”
original link -- http://www.occultofpersonality.com/2009/06/22/podcast-65-aepril-schaile/
direct link to download .mp3 audio file -- http://www.occultofpersonality.com/podpress_trac/web/354/0/OoP_Podcast65_AeprilSchaile_it.mp3
Jason Augustus Newcomb returns to the show in this episode to discuss his book “Practical Enochian Magick” and other subjects.
We discuss the allure and power of the Enochian system and Jason’s practical approach and he talks about the inherent dangers of all Magickal practices.
Jason talks about solar cycles and astrological currents, the coming of Spring, and the current economic crisis. He notes that these situations can be an opportunity for change and self-actualization is the key to success.
The Equinox Festival will be taking place in London from Friday, June 12th through Sunday, June 14th. Raymond Salvatore Harmon joins us to speak about it after the interview.
relevant links:
Podcast 37 - Jason Augustus Newcomb
Occult Sentinel podcast episode 12 - Jason Augustus Newcomb, “Practical Enochian Magick”
“Practical Enochian Magick” by Jason Augustus Newcomb
“The Enochian Magick Toolbook” by Jason Augustus Newcomb
Podcast 52 - Lon Milo DuQuette’s “Enochian Vision Magick”
“Enochian Vision Magick: An Introduction and Practical Guide to the Magick of Dr. John Dee and Edward Kelley” by Lon Milo DuQuette
Podcast 10 - “Enochian Initiation”
“John Dee’s Five Books of Mystery: Original Sourcebook of Enochian Magic“, Joseph Peterson, ed.
“Practical Angel Magic of Dr John Dee’s Enochian Tables: Tabularum Bonorum Angelorum Invocationes” by Stephen Skinner, David Rankine
“The New Hermetics” by Jason Augustus Newcomb
“The Book of Magick Power” by Jason Augustus Newcomb
“The Brotherhood of Light and Darkness” by Jason Augustus Newcomb
“The New Hermetics Equinox Journal: Volume One” by Jason Augustus Newcomb
“The New Hermetics Equinox Journal: Volume Two” by Jason Augustus Newcomb
“True and Faithful Relation of What Passed for Many Years Between Dr. John Dee and Some Spirits”
“The Magician” by W. Somerset Maugham
The Equinox Festival: A Festival of Scientific Illuminism
videos of some of those appearing at The Equinox Festival
intro music by HipGnosis (new album)
intermission music by Darkfold - “Nomads”
outro music by Aarni - “Ethanol Jam”
original link -- http://www.occultofpersonality.com/2009/06/05/podcast-63-practical-enochian-magick-with-jason-augustus-newcomb/
direct link to download .mp3 audio file -- http://www.occultofpersonality.com/podpress_trac/web/335/0/OoP_Podcast63_JasonNewcomb_it.mp3
Our good friend, teacher and author David Goddard returns in this episode to discuss a variety of esoteric subjects. David is one of the founders of Rising Phoenix Foundation, a school dedicated to “transmitting Western esoteric wisdom.” Our conversation begins with astrology and the effect of the lunar nodes.
David describes the real world effect of the head and tail of the dragon, including current economic and political turmoil. Next, we delve into the subconscious mind and the tradition of working with symbols and meditations to unlock its awesome power. His book “Tower of Alchemy” is an excellent illustration of this method.
From there, David discusses the concept of initiation followed by an exposition on the similarity of Magic and religion, noting that the way humanity thinks of sacrifice has changed greatly since ancient times.
We then talk about the Magical operations detailed in David’s book, “Sword of Light” and their importance. We finish the conversation by talking about the concepts of energy, intention, and the way they work together.
David Goddard will be providing workshops and a lecture in the greater Boston area during the weekend of July 11, 2009. See the Rising Phoenix event page for specific information about the subjects, costs, dates, and times.
relevant links:
“The Tower of Alchemy: An Advanced Guide to the Great Work” by David Goddard
“Tree of Sapphires: Enlightened Qabalah” by David Goddard
Rising Phoenix Foundation shop
“Lunar node” Wikipedia entry
intro music by HipGnosis (new album available)
outro music by Djangle - “Rain”, courtesy of John McNair
original link -- http://www.occultofpersonality.com/2009/06/01/podcast-62-david-goddard/
“… the price of ignorance is destruction … So if people want to continue being ignorant and think that every time you bring knowledge their way that it is some sort of a threat, then there is no hope for the human race … You can’t approach the archive of knowledge with fear. You should approach it with awe. But you should never approach knowledge with fear, because then you will only see the reflection of fear back. So it is not that these subjects are evil … or fearful, but people are approaching [them] with a wrong energy and a wrong attitude and it is like a mirror where you see your own reflection in it.”
- Michael Tsarion
|
|
|
I’m very pleased to introduce Synkronos23 (http://synkronos23.vox.com/). She’s a truthseeker and researcher of many, if not all, the same topics that you are familiar with - the occult, astrology, ancient civilizations, the origins of religion (astrotheology), magick, secret societies, and conspiracy. Her knowledge of the material, both academic and experiential, is noteworthy. Join us for a discussion of classical occult concepts and their relationship to the modern aeon.
In this episode, we discuss some of her recent articles, including ancient Egyptian Mystery initiation (Setian Consciousness), the pervasive symbolism of Columbia, and mainly, Aleister Crowley and “The Crowley Conspiracy.”
Thanks Synkronos23!
Big thanks to Fredrik & Henrik for the interview and all they do.
Occult of Personality on Red Ice -- http://www.redicecreations.com/radio/2007/03mar/RICR-070318.html
direct link to .mp3 audio file -- http://www.redicecreations.com/radio/2007/03mar/RICR-070318-greg.mp3
... is now up and running here -- http://www.occultofpersonality.com/
At the moment, only the podcasts are posted, but there is more to come...
