10 posts tagged “hermetics”
Coming Soon!
As mentioned last week, I’m pleased to announce that in addition to the regular free podcasts, Occult of Personality will soon offer extra recordings as part of a new members subscription section. In these additional interviews and conversations, featured guests will provide expertise in specific areas of esoteric study.
In addition to receiving extra audio recordings for most upcoming guests on the show, listeners will also have an option to sign up for Rising Phoenix Foundation’s “The Inner Fire Journal” by David Goddard (our guest in episodes 54 and 62). “The Inner Fire Journal” is dedicated to the practice of true Alchemy and the Hermetic Arts and is published each month. “The Inner Fire Journal” features high grade Western Mystery teachings, guided meditations, audio, video, and more.
Look for more details about how you can sign up for the Occult of
Personality membership subscription later this month. There will be
another update in the next podcast episode.
—————————————————————————————————————
One scheduling note: Part 2 of the interview with Christopher Knowles is not yet available, but will be posted soon.
—————————————————————————————————————
In podcast episode 69, we’re joined by William J. Kiesel, the publisher and editor of Ouroboros Press. “His long years in the antiquarian and esoteric book trade gave him access to rare books and manuscripts not generally available to the public. William has cultivated a lifelong care of books and has involved himself in every aspect of bookmaking, from bookbinding and typography to handset letterpress.” William has also organized the Esoteric Book Conference.
We begin the interview with William describing how his interest in
books and publishing developed. He talks about how he began collecting
esoteric books at an early age and was inspired by a number of
well-known esoteric authors and publishers. He highlights the
tremendous amount of research and background work that goes into
publishing antiquarian esoteric texts.
William describes how learning about aspects of publishing, such as bookbinding, paper selection, typesetting, and familiarity with various translations was crucial to his desire to publish new imprints of ancient esoteric books. We discuss some of the remarkable books that Ouroboros Press has released and some of his upcoming projects. We also talk about the Renaissance as a fruitful time for all knowledge, but especially in terms of esoteric books.
William talks about his interest in Alchemical symbolism, Hermetics, artwork, and the Western Esoteric Tradition. We touch on the current state and future of books, the tradition of book arts, and the concept of a book as a talisman. We finish off our conversation by discussing the Esoteric Book Conference, scheduled for September 19th and 20th in Seattle, Washington, USA. William has organized this wonderful event to bring together publishers and readers of esoteric books.
relevant links:
“Picatrix, Vol. 2: The Goal of the Wise” by Ghayat al-Hakim
“Heptameron” and “Arbatel of Magick”
“Turba Philosophorum” tr. by A. E. Waite
“Tabula Smaragdina Hermetis” – The Emerald Tablet of Hermes Trismegistus
intro music by HipGnosis and Darkfold
outro music by Agrippa93 – “LVX”
original link -- http://www.occultofpersonality.net/william-kiesel-of-ouroboros-press/
download .mp3 podcast file -- http://media.blubrry.com/occultofpersonality/www.occultofpersonality.net/wp-content/uploads/OoP_Podcast69_Ouroboros_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/
Our discussion delves into Points Chauds.
“… we can roughly define the points chauds (French, lit. “hot points”) as locations on the human body that are “power points,” that can be empowered and/or activated, and that are directly connected with both the subtle body and some source of energy that is external to, or extends beyond the borders of, the human body… Tau Allen Greenfield, the bishop overseeing the current Great Arabia Working of points chauds empowerments, has described the points in connection with “the Quasi-Masonic sexual and mystical empowerment ‘points’ on the human body, part of a lost system of 360 points, possibly of Akkadian-Sumerian origin . . . and carried forward by the lineage of mystical and magical priesthoods to the present time.” Greenfield has delineated the connections between the points chauds system and the Rites of Memphis-Misraim, which he believes to comprise a quarter of the original and lost “primitive” shamanic systems of initiation/empowerment.”
- excerpt from “Points Chauds 101” by Tau Naamah
Lastly, we talk about Congregational Illuminism.
“What does it mean to work in free communion? First, one should realize we are here talking about certain underlying principles rather than hard and fast rules. Congregational Illuminism is an open system based upon these principles. Being an open system it is fluid and adaptable rather than rigid and constrained. Free Communion is a verb (i.e. these principles put into practice), or as some may prefer, a particular approach that is adopted to engage in the Work.
Congregational Illuminism is non-hierarchical and non-authoritarian. This means there is no rank or stratification and there is no central authority or “inner circle”. Congregational Illuminism is based on a bottom-up rather than a top-down model. We feel that all too often has it been shown that strict hierarchies within magical organizations have led to petty politics and useless power struggles. We say, do away with all this, level the playing field and focus on the Work. We have no Grand Poobahs. What we do have is an ever-growing number of sincere and dedicated Illuminists who have voluntarily come together in free association with each other to work in unity, openness and peace.
Our goal is Illumination. Our approach is both experimental and experiential. We are not an Order, or a singular organization. Many independent groups have formed. Many individuals contribute in their own ways as well. We view this diversity as a great benefit. We share our gnosis across borders. We peer review our successes and our failures. We feel this approach aids us all in attaining a closer approximation to what is true and to what works. We hold no superstitions sacred. We take a scientific and functional approach to the Work. There is nothing to hide. There are no secrets. There are only our own efforts and struggles towards enlightenment. This is enough.”
- “A Brief Introduction to Congregational Illuminism” by Tau Dositheos
Thanks again to Tau Allen Greenfield, Tau Dositheos, and Tau Naamah. I strongly support and endorse them, their contributions to the Great Work, and Congregational Illuminism.
relevant links:
“Rite of Memphis-Misraim” Wikipedia entry
“360/90 Points Chauds System for Scrying the Universe” by Tau Allen Greenfield
“Points Chauds 101” by Tau Naamah
“FAQ on Points Chauds” by Tau Naamah
“Podcast 31 - “Scrying the Universe” with T Allen Greenfield”
“Points Chauds, Circles, and the Authentic Tradition” by Tau Allen Greenfield
“The Voudon Gnostic Workbook: Expanded Edition” by Tau Michael Bertiaux
“A Brief Introduction to Congregational Illuminism” by Tau Dositheos
“How to Form a Congregational Illuminist Body”
Assembly of the Knowledge & Wisdom of Solomon
Smashing Illusions - Tau Allen Greenfield’s Livejournal
Another Occultist with a Blog - Tau Naamah’s web site
Congregational Illuminism Facebook page
Occult of Personality Book Shoppe
intro music by HipGnosis
outro music by Dead Can Dance, excerpt of “Chant of the Paladin”
original link -- http://www.occultofpersonality.com/2009/03/03/podcast-57-congregational-illuminism-and-points-chauds/
direct link to download .mp3 audio file -- http://www.occultofpersonality.com/podpress_trac/web/197/0/OoP_Podcast57_PointsChauds_it.mp3
N.B.: In addition to the normal single audio file, because of the large audio file size, the recording is also available as two separate .mp3 files at Occult of Personality.
Teacher, spiritual guide, theurgist, alchemist, mage, and author David Goddard joins us in this episode to discuss some of his Work. David is one of the founders of Rising Phoenix Foundation, a school dedicated to “transmitting western esoteric wisdom.” He has also written several excellent texts, including, “The Sacred Magic of the Angels.”
Our conversation begins as David describes the reason why these
teachings, only taught to high initiates in the past, are now available
openly due to the perilous times in which we live. He reviews the
origins of Angelic magic in ancient Egypt and Babylon. Part of the same
tradition as the Book of Enoch, this system has been passed down from
antiquity. We then discuss the Great Work of Alchemy rather
extensively, a subject brilliantly exposed in theory and practice in
David’s book, “The Tower of Alchemy: An Advanced Guide to the Great Work.”
David reviews the true meaning of the Royal Art of Alchemy, the
relationship of Alchemy and Qabalah, and the meaning of the Emerald
Tablet. Then we discuss the relationship between eastern and western
religion and esoterica and the concept of a world spiritual tradition.
Finally, we talk about the Work of Rising Phoenix Foundation. Be sure to check out the many teachings, classes, and workshops available for students.
“I sustain creation
In the midst of a perpetual ebb and flow.
Therefore do I assume the appearance of a refiner’s fire,
Forever purging out the dross of forms outworn.
This is mine aspect of Severity,
And of this it is written,
“Tetragrammaton Elohim is a devouring fire.”Thus am I as one who testeth gold in a furnace,
And this aspect of my being
Presenteth to the unrighteous
A face of wrath.Yet by the purgation of fire
Do I uphold and sustain thee
In every moment of thy life.For when thou hast been tried as by fire,
The gold of thy Beauty shall be purged of all dross
… and … shalt thou behold
The Shining One
Who is thine own true Self.”- excerpted from “The Meditation on Samekh” in “The Book of Tokens”
relevant links:
free audio and text files available as a thank you from David to listeners
Rising Phoenix Foundation podcast
“The Sacred Magic of the Angels” by David Goddard
“The Tower of Alchemy: An Advanced Guide to the Great Work” by David Goddard
“The Dragon-Treasure of Hermes” by David Goddard
“Tree of Sapphires: Enlightened Qabalah” by David Goddard
“Celestial Magic” by David Goddard
“The Book of Enoch” tr. by R.H. Charles
“Metatron: Angel Prince, Enoch Transformed” and “Metatron: Anomalous Angel of the Countenance” by Geoffrey Dennis
“Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite” Wikipedia entry
“Saint Denis” Wikipedia entry
“Qabalah” by David Goddard
“Alchemy” by David Goddard
intro music by HipGnosis
outro music by Dead Can Dance, excerpt of “The Host of Seraphim”
original link -- http://www.occultofpersonality.com/2008/11/26/podcast-54-david-goddard/
direct link to download .mp3 audio file -- http://www.occultofpersonality.com/podpress_trac/web/119/0/OoP_Podcast54_DavidGoddard_it.mp3
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.
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.
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.
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.
As Poke explains at the conclusion to our conversation, we need to “know what our obligation to the Light is … No matter what you believe or what you revere, it is your way to the Light. The same Light is within everybody and the only place you’ll find it is inside yourself.”
relevant links:
“The Book of Solomon’s Magick” by Carroll “Poke” Runyon
“The Magick of Solomon” DVD, 2nd ed.
“Dark Mirror of Magick” DVD, 2nd ed.
“Rites of Magick” DVD
“Secrets of the Golden Dawn Cypher Manuscript” by Carroll “Poke” Runyon
“Mysteries of Mt. Shasta: Home of the Underground Dwellers and Ancient Gods” featuring Poke Runyon
“Beyond Lemuria” DVD (featuring Paul Clark and Lon Milo DuQuette)
“Carl Jung” Wikipedia entry
“Supernatural: Meetings With the Ancient Teachers of Mankind” by Graham Hancock
“Raja Yoga” Wikipedia entry
“Tantra” Wikipedia entry
“Remote Viewing: The Complete User’s Manual for Coordinate Remote Viewing” by David Morehouse
“The Hebrew Goddess” by Raphael Patai
“Phoenician Canaanite Religion”
“Knight of the Sun or Prince Adept”
“The Lost Word” from Mackey’s “The Symbolism of Freemasonry”
“Richard Sharpe Shaver” Wikipedia entry
intro music by HipGnosis
“The Emerald Tablet” read by Poke Runyon
outro music by Santana, excerpt of “Yours Is The Light”
original link -- http://www.occultofpersonality.com/2008/11/18/podcast-53-poke-runyon/
direct link to download .mp3 audio file -- http://www.occultofpersonality.com/podpress_trac/web/105/0/OoP_Podcast53_PokeRunyon_it.mp3
Paul Tisdell is a surfer, initiate, scribe, and teacher. He joins us to discuss his awakening process and spiritual journey, the compilation of Wisdom, and his work in the field of Hermes.
I AM the circle of eternal flame,
Self-fed.From this Fire all things proceed,
In it all things have their being,
And to it all return.To the unenlightened
It is a devouring flame,
And therefore is it the fang of death;
For by my transforming power
Do I cause the cessation of mine expression
In created forms,
And the unwise see not that cessation in one form
Is but the transition to another.SHIN, the TOOTH or fang,
Is the perfect circle also,
Without beginning,
Without end.
This the wise perceive,
And know that for no creature
Can there be death.Triple is my flame in manifestation,
And one in essence.
Three tongues of Fire,
Three manifesting Words,
And One Being whence all come forth.
One Archetypal world,
One creative letter.
And three worlds derived therefrom.
Such is the manifestation of the sacred Fire.- Paul Foster Case, excerpt from “The Meditation On Shin,” from “The Book of Tokens”
relevant links:
Spiritual Life - The Hermetic Work of Paul Tisdell
“The Christos Meditation Practice”
intro music by HipGnosis
outro music excerpt of “Dark Star -> Beautiful Jam” by Grateful Dead
original link -- http://www.occultofpersonality.com/2008/04/07/podcast-45-the-hermetic-work-of-paul-tisdell/
direct link to download .mp3 audio file -- http://www.occultofpersonality.com/podpress_trac/web/68/0/OoP_Podcast45_Tisdell_it.mp3
|
|
|
