4 posts tagged “magic”
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
We’re joined again by our friend Dr. Paul Clark, Steward of Fraternitas L.V.X. Occulta. Dr. Clark begins by talking about the F.L.O’s publication of the early lessons of Paul Foster Case, “Occult Fundamentals and Spiritual Unfoldment - Volume 1: The Early Writings” and “Esoteric Secrets of Meditation and Magic - Volume 2: The Early Writings“.
Volume one begins with a short biography of Case followed by “Occult Fundamentals”, a wide introductory survey of topics studied as part of the Western Mystery Tradition. “Spiritual Unfoldment” uses the powerful archetypal images of the Tarot to guide students through the seven stages of development, from the illusion of bondage to cosmic awakening.
In the second volume, the first section provides a combination of Eastern and Western meditation techniques, from concentration, step by step, to the reception of teachings of the Universal Mind. The section about Magic shows how the practical Qabalah affects our everyday lives and the concept of linking aspects of consciousness to symbols, Magical tools, and talismans.
Dr. Clark then addresses the concept of initiation and the role of initiates in the current age. He talks about how mystical revelations are not integrated until one comes down from the mountain and is able to expound the Truth of those experiences in the marketplace. Next, Dr. Clark discusses the Greater Initiation, linking the self-conscious with super consciousness, Gnosis, Knowledge and Conversation with the Holy Guardian Angel, and how an initiate is someone in the process of awakening, equilibrating, self-purifying, and consecrating with the goal of service to others.
Dr. Clark then addresses the great lies perpetrated throughout the ages, including separation, materialism, and mortality. We finish off the interview by talking about the concept Hieros gamos, the sacred marriage.
relevant links:
Fraternitas L.V.X. Occulta (Fraternity of the Hidden Light)
“Occult Fundamentals and Spiritual Unfoldment - Volume 1: The Early Writings” by Paul Foster Case
“Esoteric Secrets of Meditation and Magic - Volume 2: The Early Writings” by Paul Foster Case
“Podcast 46 - Fraternity of the Hidden Light’s Steward, Dr. Paul Clark”
“Podcast 42 - The Life and Work of Dr. Paul Foster Case”
“The Tarot: A Key to the Wisdom of the Ages” by Paul Foster Case
“Esoteric Keys of Alchemy” by Paul Foster Case
“The True and Invisible Rosicrucian Order: An Interpretation of the Rosicrucian Allegory & An Explanation of the Ten Rosicrucian Grades” by Paul Foster Case
“The Secrets of Dr. Taverner” by Dion Fortune
intro music by HipGnosis
background music by Darkfold -”Nomads”
outro music by Aarni - “V.I.T.R.I.O.L.”
original link -- http://www.occultofpersonality.net/2009/07/06/podcast-66-dr-paul-clark/
direct link to download .mp3 audio file -- http://www.occultofpersonality.net/podpress_trac/web/15/0/OoP_Podcast66_PaulClark_it.mp3
In this episode, we’re joined by mage, author, teacher, and healer Andrieh Vitimus. We begin the interview by talking about Andrieh’s history, his family, and how he became interested in Magic. From there, we talk about what Magic is and how it can be defined. Andrieh is connected with a variety of esoteric currents, including Chaos Magic, Voudon, ceremonial, and energy work. His book, entitled “Hands-On Chaos Magic: Reality Manipulation Through the Ovayki Current” is an excellent text, covering theory and practice in an accessible and enjoyable manner.
I highly recommend Andrieh Vitimus’ book “Hands-On Chaos Magic: Reality Manipulation Through the Ovayki Current“. He has presented a robust volume that is full of conceptual theory along with many exercises available for those who wish to experience practical results. I found the book to be quite effective. Andrieh has delivered an excellent text that will undoubtedly empower those readers who engage with the material.
relevant links:
“Hands-On Chaos Magic: Reality Manipulation Through the Ovayki Current” by Andrieh Vitimus
Andrieh Vitimus appearing in Occult Sentinel podcast episode 15
“Voodoo, Dumps, and Chaos Magic with Andrieh Vitimus” - Right Where You Are Sitting Now podcast episode 24
intro music by HipGnosis (new album)
outro music by The Quiet Earth Orchestra (featuring John Ludi) - “A New Light”
original link -- http://www.occultofpersonality.com/2009/06/12/podcast-64-hands-on-chaos-magic-with-andrieh-vitimus/
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/
