9 posts tagged “meditation”

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.

Occult America

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.

Joseph Smith Birthplace Memorial

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.

Joseph Smith Birthplace Memorial inscription

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.

English_ouija_board

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.

Edgar Cayce On Prophecy

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:

Mitch Horowitz

“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 podcast episode 70, our good friend Mitch Horowitz joins us again to discuss his excellent new book, “Occult America: The Secret History of How Mysticism Shaped Our Nation” published by Bantam Books. Mitch is the editor-in-chief of Tarcher / Peguin in New York and has 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.

Occult_America

Mitch begins our conversation by describing his observations of the esoteric history of the United States of America. American occultists evangelized esoteric ideas and planted the seeds for alternative New Age spirituality and self-help concepts, like positive thinking, that have spread around the world today. The intertwining of this occult history and the social development of the country is very often overlooked, glossed-over, or written out of mainstream history. Then Mitch tells us the intriguing story of the Publick Universal Friend, a spirit channeler that was the first public female religious figure in the country.

Masonic symbolism

Next, Mitch talks about the speculation about America’s role as a laboratory for religious exploration. He describes the integral role that Freemasonry and its philosophy played in the formation of the United States of America and its influence towards greater religious tolerance and liberalism cannot be overstated. He discusses the origins of the Craft and the real requirement for secrecy in the past and employment of ancient symbolism.

Frederick_Douglass

Mitch tells us about the Hoodoo experience of abolitionist, editor, orator, author, statesman and reformer, Frederick Douglass, at a crucial moment in his life. He talks about writer and spiritual teacher Ernest Holmes and his philosophies of mind power and positive thinking.

Henry_A._Wallace

Then Mitch discusses Henry A. Wallace, a progressive public servant who served as President Franklin Roosevelt’s secretary of agriculture and the 33rd vice-president. Wallace was an avid esoteric student and is responsible for suggesting the placement of the reverse of The Great Seal of the United States on the one dollar note. The controversy surrounding the public disclosure of Wallace’s letters to mystic Nicholas Roerich was the undoing of his public career.

US_Great_Seal_Reverse

Finally, we talk about the modern acceptance of the ideas of people, schools, and movements that are considered New Age. Mitch lists these as:

“1. Belief in the therapeutic value of spiritual or religious ideas.
2. Belief in a mind-body connection in health.
3. Belief that human consciousness is evolving to higher stages.
4. Belief that thoughts, in some greater or lesser measure, determine reality.
5. Belief that spiritual understanding is available without allegiance to a specific religion or doctrine.”

I highly recommend “Occult America: The Secret History of How Mysticism Shaped Our Nation” by Mitch Horowitz. It is a comprehensive, well-researched, and masterful history that is an instant classic!

Stay tuned for the second part our interview…

relevant links:

Mitch Horowitz

“Occult America: The Secret History of How Mysticism Shaped Our Nation” by Mitch Horowitz

Podcast 42 – The Life and Work of Paul Foster Case

Podcast 48 – The Life and Work of Col. Henry Steel Olcott

“Jemima Wilkinson” Wikipedia entry (Publick Universal Friend)

“Burned-over District” Wikipedia entry

“Mediumship” Wikipedia entry

“Frederick Douglass” Wikipedia entry

“Hoodoo (folk magic)” Wikipedia entry

“Ernest Holmes” Wikipedia entry

“The Science of Mind” by Ernest Holmes

“365 Science of Mind: A Year of Daily Wisdom” by Ernest Holmes

“Love and Law” by Ernest Holmes

“Prayer: How to Pray Effectively from the Science of Mind” by Ernest Holmes

“Henry A. Wallace” Wikipedia entry

“Great Seal of the United States: 1935 dollar bill” Wikipedia entry

intro music by HipGnosis

background music by Darkfold – “Nomads”

outro music by William Zeitler – “The Fixed Stars, the Frontier to the Beyond“

original link -- http://www.occultofpersonality.net/mitch-horowitz-and-occult-america-pt-1/

direct link to download .mp3 podcast file -- http://media.blubrry.com/occultofpersonality/www.occultofpersonality.net/wp-content/uploads/OoP_Podcast70_OccultAmerica_1.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“.

“Occult Fundamentals and Spiritual Unfoldment - Volume 1: The Early Writings” by Paul Foster Cas

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.

“Esoteric Secrets of Meditation and Magic - Volume 2: The Early Writings” by Paul Foster Case

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.

Fraternitas L.V.X. Occulta (Fraternity of the Hidden Light)

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.

"Hands-On Chaos Magic" by Andrieh Vitimus

The primary objective of Andrieh’s experimental Work is to present practical and useful techniques that empower the practitioner to change themselves and their world. By creatively engaging with the Universe, one may grow and expand in a conscious way. He explains that there are different methods to accomplish this and each practitioner must find those that work best for them. We discuss Andrieh’s experience using Magic to drastically alter his circumstances and how his life story can serve as inspiration to others.

Chaosphere

Next we discuss Andrieh’s connection with Voudon and how it aids his Work. Then we talk about the practical importance of meditation, trance states, and the amazing benefits from this simple, yet profound practice. The benefits of meditative practice include improved physical and emotional health, better decision making skills, temporary refuge from the hectic pace of daily life, and greater potency of Magical operations.

Veve Legba

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:

Andrieh Vitimus

“Who is Andrieh Vitimus”

“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/

It’s my pleasure to bring you this episode featuring a discussion with musician and researcher Ezra Sandzer-Bell. Ezra has done extensive research and writing about the origins and esoteric connections of western music. The focus of our conversation is primarily the correspondence between sound and color, as well as a system to combine the the two, named “Marcotone”.

Circle of Fifths and Color Wheel

Marcotone was developed and documented by Edward Maryon in the early part of the 20th century and has been used by esoteric practitioners to verify their own doctrine and develop practices to attune the mind.

With his extensive musical background and understanding of music theory, Ezra does a phenomenal job of explaining the Marcotone system, how it functions, some mathematical inconsistencies, and his own experience in using it. One of the main points to draw from the discussion is that Marcotone is a spiritual system and does produce results.

Ezra has also been hard at work with Steve Willner to produce a series of videos exploring concepts relating to music, color, and thought. These videos are a real treat and I encourage you to check them out.

I learned quite a bit from Ezra about the way sound and color can be combined and how music can affect us in a variety of ways. The amount of time and effort that Ezra has spent researching these topics is evident from his explanations and insights into what might seem mundane to the uninitiated. I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as we did!

relevant links:

The Hidden Origins of Western Musick - Ezra Sandzer-Bell’s blog

Put Down Your Guitar - Ezra’s 2nd blog

“Marcotone: The Science of Tone Color” by Edward Maryon - PDF file

“Marcotone Notes - Key Concepts” by Ezra Sandzer-Bell - PDF file

“Letter, Musical Pitch, and Color in the Work of Paul Foster Case” by Alison Deadman - PDF file

“Occult Fundamentals and Spiritual Unfoldment - Volume 1: The Early Writings” by Paul Foster Case

“Concerning Music and Dancing as Aids to the Religious Life” - Chapter V of “The Alchemy of Happiness” by Al Ghazzali

Labyrinth of the Psychonaut - Steve Willner’s blog

Podcast 40 - Enter the Labyrinth

intro music by HipGnosis (new album now available)

outro music by Gregg Braden and Jonathan Goldman, excerpt of “The Awakening” and Edward Lee, excerpt of “Vowel Sounds in the Great Pyramid”

original link -- http://www.occultofpersonality.com/2009/05/11/podcast-60-sound-and-color-with-ezra-sandzer-bell/

direct link to download .mp3 audio file -- http://www.occultofpersonality.com/podpress_trac/web/277/0/OoP_Podcast60_Ezra_it.mp3

Our good friend Christopher Moors of CreativeCosmos.org returns in this episode to discuss the exploration of the inner realms.

CreativeCosmos.org

"Aurora Evolution" by Christopher Moors

Psychic abilities like intuition, telepathy, clairvoyance, clairaudience, and visions have been experienced by those who align the outer and inner worlds. We also speak about animals and interacting with them.

"Buddha Eye" by Christopher Moors

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.

Our conversation also covers the Royal Art of Alchemy, the sacred flame, Tarot, Qabalah, the importance of timing, and his impressions of teaching the Wisdom.

Key 20 - Judgement

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

“Works of Paul Tisdell”

“Holy Flame”

“The Christos Meditation Practice”

“The Mysteries of Yesod”

Emerald Tablet Yahoo! group

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

Podcast 45 - The Hermetic Work of Paul Tisdell

human visions

Alchemically Braindamaged is a blog and podcast created by Zacharius, "a Buddhist monk, an aspiring ninja, a magican, occult scholar, medical massage therapist, sometime writer, and oft times podcaster." His work is a very real, personal, and tangible practice. The podcast serves as a direct, albeit one-way, communication with Zac as the magi, shaman, occultist, or sometimes simply a voice in your ear. It is quite interesting to have a window into his trasmutational process and inner thoughts on a continued regular basis. Not only does it serve as a record of this process, but can be used in a guide-like manner. Do you understand what I'm trying to say?

In an age of widespread disconnection, Zac, with Alchemically Braindamaged, uses the internet to connect to his listeners. If you have curiosity about the occult, alchemy, transmutation, transcendence, shamanism, yogic practices, insight meditation, etc. - this is where the rubber meets the road, so to speak. Research only takes one so far. Practice, and understanding what that involves, is truly where these concepts make it... or break it.

Solar Eclipse

Zac was kind enough to address some rather wide-ranging questions that arose after listening to him for some time. His answers are presented here in a familiar format, so as not to put any interpretation (read: spin) on his words. I hope you appreciate his work, ideas, and generosity in letting us all into his world, in an age when so many are prone to only to concealment and misdirection.

What is your response to those who claim that apotheosis and all related endeavours are a Luciferian practice, whether the seeker is fully aware of this  doctrine, or totally unwitting?

It depends what is meant when the term 'Luciferianism' is used. These days it tends to be used by the likes of Alex Jones and hysterical Christians to condemn the New World Order and whatnot, which seems a bit of a sloppy blanket heading to me.

When I use it, and the way I like to see it used, is closer to the way Rudolph Steiner would talk about it. A 'Luciferian' in this sense is one who is concerned with an ascent into a 'false heaven' of sorts. This false heaven is a product of mastery of various kinds of energy rather than true spiritual realisation.

The idea that there is an escape into some other kind of created reality full of accentuated  delights is considered fairly degenerate by most legitimate spiritual traditions. The goal is to realise the spirit in this world, this moment, in your current circumstances, not to flee into your head, or virtual reality or the psychic realm of the ascended masters or whatever.

From that perspective the idea of apotheosis can be a distraction or a wrong turn surely, but only if you treat it as a means to remake the world into your image, or flee into a false heaven of your own making, rather than understand it as an actualisation of one's capacities for love, and service to others. I think those two goals are what everyone truly desires anyway and have every confidence they will discover that for themselves if given enough time.

My feeling is that in our current historical predicament, the main obstacle to a lot of people realising themselves spiritually is a sense of powerless victimhood. In that state there will be all kinds of unhealthy projections of how to aquire and use ones skills and power. My hope is to first help people take back a sense of agency in their own lives, and then to use their growing powers to open out into the world, rather than take the wrong turn into egotistic flights of fantasy.

What is the relationship between the ideas of western occultism and eastern philosophy (particularly Taoism and Buddhism)?

That's a vast question. At this point in history you could find just about anything that used to be characteristic to the east in the west and vice versa.

RCLamen

If anything , I think western occultism has a more developed sense of how to use symbolism than much of what exists in the east. Much of it purely concealment from Church prosecution, but it also forms a kind depth psychology system that the east seems to lack in large part. The symbolic languages of persons such as Jung or Freud, or Crowley, and the hypnotic technologies that spring out of western psychology are probably our best 'magick'. I've recent become more cognisant of the intellectual 'yoga' of the original Platonists, and how it feeds into the western occult tradition, and am looking farther into that as we speak.

In the east you have the yogic paths for meditation and inner alchemy developed to an exquisite level, with the Taoist traditions alongside embodying a kind of folk magic, shamanic tradition with a huge, unbroken legacy. You could look farther than yoga or Buddhism for clear meditation technology, but why bother?

In the ultimate sense east and west both spring out of archaic shamanism, and are concerned with the same things, the same human spiritual and survival imperitives. Someone like Ken Wilber elucidates this in many ways with great clarity.

I see them as one and the same. In the history of Buddhism there is a bit of sectarian strife that arose when certain factions said that questing exclusively for enlightenment was selfish, and ignored the needs of the people around you, which in part was true at the time, as the monks had become very insular and their practice rather state and neutered. This led to the great reform of the Mahayanna which most people think of as Buddhism.

Moon's reflection

But what gets overlooked is that the old methods did work, and the old ways as the Buddha taught them were not isolationist, but outward looking and involved in the community. What is usually needed in cases like that is not a reaction, but a revival. But alas, human psychology tends not to work that way.

The bottom line is, if you want to give, you need to have achieved something to share. Seeking enlightenment for 'yourself' is probably slightly misdirected and contradictory.

If someone wanted my recommendations, then I'd say yeah, concentrate on your own inner cultivation first and foremost (keeping in mind that when I say 'alchemy' I mean any form of spiritual culitvation of one's inner self).

Image 75

But I'm well aware that doesn't always get people excited, so I'm perfectly willing to let people play around with exotic rituals, siddha powers, sigil magick or whatever, until they get bored, frustrated or burnt out. The path isn't going anywhere. I think that point of exhaustion is coming in many parts of the online occult world. I'm happy to be able to help steer people in a useful direction.

Do you conceptualize the transmutations you are attempting to achieve before you begin the process (i.e. your recent Augoeides series)?

To an extent, sure, but you have to be willing to let go of it when the time comes. I have all kinds of fanciful notions, just like anyone else, and it's good to exercise the imagination. You need a clear picture to have a clear intent, at least at first.

But as I've said in other places; The world isn't made out of pictures and words... it's better to build a relationship with reality.