Philip begins our interview describing his great interest in, and extensive research of William Walker Atkinson, and the fact that Deslippe is the foremost scholar on Atkinson’s life and work. We discuss Atkinson’s life and the dire circumstances that led to his becoming passionate about practical philosophies for self-improvement. Philip describes how Atkinson went missing for weeks, only to reemerge as an ever more prolific writer on metaphysics, eastern philosophy, occultism, and New Thought.

Even before The Kybalion, Walker’s work is notable as he wrote under a number of pseudonyms. For example, as Yogi Ramacharaka, “Atkinson’s writings … marked some of the first full-length books in English to seriously address the subject of yoga as a practice to engage in, even if they partially filtered that practice through physical culture, Theosophy, and New Thought.” As Magus Incognito he delivered The Secret Doctrine of the Rosicrucians, as Theron Q. Dumont he wrote several books on mental science and healing, and his Arcane Teachings was written anonymously. Philip also convincingly contends that Atkinson was the sole author of The Kybalion, writing as Three Initiates.

Because of Atkinson’s former career as an attorney and his aptitude for the vocation, it seems a natural extension that his most influential works would present philosophies that continuously reiterate the concept of LAW.

“It speaks to the strength, flexibility, and longevity of The Kybalion that it could inspire everyone from modern pagans to Christian positive thinkers, from small secret societies to pop-culture phenomena. The Kybalion had directly or indirectly left its mark on the way millions of people viewed money, spirituality, the mind, success, and the nature of the universe itself. As is the fate of many occult and esoteric works, The Kybalion was never given the respect that it deserved, and the man who wrote it did not receive the acknowledgement that he was due. Perhaps in recognizing his authorship and the legacy of his most influential work, the monument that The Kybalion has deserved is this very edition.” – Philip Deslippe, from the Introduction to The Kybalion: The Definitive Edition

Regardless of your feelings about Philip’s assertion of Atkinson’s authorship of The Kybalion, Deslippe’s work is tremendously valuable both as a historical study and a treatment of the text which affords it the respect it deserves. The twisted tale of The Kybalion is full of enough mystery to preclude tales of ancient origins and hidden masters, as attractive as they might be. Likewise, a serious study of the life and work of William Walker Atkinson shows a man who cultivated a certain mystique, but at his core, he was intensely prolific, passionate, and his work touched the lives of innumerable spiritual aspirants.

In the Occult of Personality Membership Section, Philip and I discuss the controversy surrounding the theories of The Kybalion‘s authorship and the reaction to Deslippe’s revelation of Atkinson as the sole author.

Philip Deslippe

The Kybalion: The Definitive Edition by William Walker Atkinson, writing as Three Initiates, edited and introduced by Philip Deslippe

“William Walker Atkinson” Wikipedia entry

“The Kybalion with Philip Deslippe” – The Infinite and Beyond, podcast episode 23

intro music by HipGnosis and Paul Avgerinos

outro music – “Cosmonaut of Three” by Orchid

“Palo Mayombe is an initiate’s account of this much maligned cult whose central nigromantic mystery is the prenda, the cauldron containing the human skull or bones, re-animated by living spirit… Nicholaj de Mattos Frisvold traces the roots of Palo Mayombe back to Kongolese sorcery, the warrior and leopard societies, and the impact of the Portugese Mission. The original African faith is carried in chains across the abysmal waters of Kalunga and it flowers in Cuba as a New World Creole religion and cult. Yet Palo Mayombe can only be truly understood in the light of a highly developed African cosmology.

“In drawing parallels with both the ancient Greek practices of Necromancy and Nigromancy, and the grimoire tradition, Nicholaj also illuminates the Western tradition, showing what we have lost in our denial of the dead and the cult of the ancestors…

“The Garden of Blood and Bones gives explicit detail of the workings of Palo Mayombe for good and ill, the method of divination, the herbs, animals, trees and plants, powders, baths and waters, the songs and chants. It presents a complete living system …

“This is a serious study which confronts the sinister and violent aspects of the cult, but rather than purveying lurid sensationalism expresses the deep dignity and integrity of its nature.

“This is a book written from within the cult … With access to rare materials, pamphlets, booklets and unpublished field notes, this is the most comprehensive study of Palo Mayombe to date…”

Nicholaj begins our interview by describing his interest and early experience in esotericism. He describes how this interest led to formal studies in anthropology and psychology at university while simultaneously practicing the traditions he was studying. Even though this appears to be a most thorough and balanced approach, addressing both the intellectual and experiential aspects, his “pre-modern” views inevitably caused some difficulties in the academy. Nicholaj’s  interest in witchcraft led directly to Palo Mayombe through the recognition of the difference in the treatment of the cauldron, n’ganga, prenda, or spirit vessel.

Nicholaj discusses the history, theology, and cosmology of Palo Mayombe. He stresses the importance of initiation and ancestry to this living tradition and direct contact with the spirits of the lineage. We also discuss necromancy and opinions about so-called high and low magick. Nicholaj talks about writing Palo Mayombe: The Garden of Blood and Bones and his desire to portray the power and beauty of the cult, or religion, as he experiences it.

I highly recommend both of Nicholaj’s books from Scarlet Imprint. If you listen to the interview, you’ll understand why. Palo Mayombe: The Garden of Blood and Bones is a fascinating study by an insider and scholar that sets a high standard for texts about initiatic traditions. Pomba Gira and Quimbanda of Mbumba Nzila is also amazing as a connection to a strong current of feminine magick.

Nicholaj and I continue this fascinating interview and he goes into even greater depth about his experience as a Palero in the Occult of Personality Membership Section. Help support the show and check it out!

The Starry Cave – An Oasis of Traditional Arts and Thoughts by Nicholaj de Mattos Frisvold

Palo Mayombe: The Garden of Blood and Bones by Nicholaj de Mattos Frisvold

Pomba Gira and the Quimbanda of Mbumba Nzila by Nicholaj de Mattos Frisvold

Scarlet Imprint – Independent publisher of talismanic esoteric and occult works

Occult of Personality interview with Peter and Alkistis of Scarlet Imprint

intro music by HipGnosis and Paul Avgerinos

outro music – “Papadambalah” by Axial

Richard then explains the basics of numerology and how it can be practically applied to our lives. His system is devised and proven to allow one to interpret their life within a larger, more coherent context. Richard’s passion and expertise shines through in his clear descriptions. He also explains that there is more to life than what we can see and touch, the world of spirit is vast, we each have a purpose in life, and it is within our grasp to find out what that purpose is. Of course, this raises fundamental questions about the origins of our calendar, language, and the nature of human consciousness.

Richard then shares with us his knowledge about spiritual masters and his understanding of the requirements to gain progress on the spiritual path. He describes the masters as living links between us and the transcendent, and the role of the masters is to guide us home. Richard stresses that dedication, perseverance, and hard work are required to make spiritual progress. He also highlights the importance of balance in all aspects of existence.

Richard then shares his thoughts about the numerological significance of the times we’re living in now, as well as the future. His insightful observations provide a way to interpret our world in a highly systematic way. We conclude the interview by discussing the remarkable numerology involved in 9/11, and how its implications shape our future.

In The King’s Book of Numerology Volume One: Foundations and Fundamentals, Richard Andrew King had done something remarkable. He has provided seekers with comprehensive, but simple ways to interpret their lives and navigate the future. The book is essentially a doorway through which the reader may enter in order to begin seeing and interpreting the world in a way that is logical and magickal, albeit with a bit of work required. I found the information about numbers and their meanings to be entirely complimentary to other teachings in tangential areas such as Qabalah, Tarot, and Astrology.  If you’re looking to learn more about numerology, I highly recommend Richard’s book.

Richard Andrew King

Numerology Articles (including “Spires of Fire – A Tribute to 9/11”)

The King’s Book of Numerology, Volume One: Foundations and Fundamentals by Richard Andrew King

The King’s Book of Numerology, Volume Two: Forecasting Part 1 by Richard Andrew King

Messages from the Masters: Timeless Truths for Spiritual Seekers by Richard Andrew King

The Age of the Female: A Thousand Years of Yin by Richard Andrew King

Destinies of the Rich and Famous: The Secret Numbers of Extraordinary Lives by Richard Andrew King

intro music by HipGnosis and Paul Avgerinos

outro music – “Numerology” by Kukkiva Kunnas

In this free-form interview, Vanese talks about The Great Network and her experience hosting it and why it is important. She discusses The Great Work DVD series, a phenomenal tool for learning, that she created and co-produced. We’ll hear about the car accident in which she broke her neck, and the extraordinary experiences and miraculous healing that followed.

Vanese shares openly about her experience and all the spiritual, mystical, and metaphysical modalities that she’s pursued. This was a fascinating conversation that I hope was worth the wait!

The Great Network

The Great Work DVD series (featuring Lon Milo DuQuette, John Michael Greer, John Anthony West, Georgia Lambert, and more)

intro music by HipGnosis and Paul Avgerinos

outro music – “The Lady of Vastness” by Dano of DanoSongs.com

Freya begins the interview by describing her difficult and challenging childhood. A naturally gifted psychic and self-educated practitioner, she talks about her calling to work in the Norse and Germanic mysteries at a time when few, if any, others were doing so.

Freya talks about her remarkable connection to Odin and the Runes, and the manner in which it occurred. We talk about some of the historical connections with Norse and Germanic pantheon, from Medieval times to more modern negative political associations.

Freya’s creativity is also remarkable. In addition to writing books, she’s also involved in making music, performance, and painting. Self-described as feral and antimonian, her early life was a struggle that can serve as an example. She freely shares her story as an inspiration, especially to those, like her, who are psychically gifted and have experienced a traumatic childhood.

Join Freya Aswynn and I in the Occult of Personality Membership Section to hear more about the Runes, the Northern Mysteries, and much more.

The Runes by Freya Aswynn

“About Freya”

Northern Mysteries and Magick: Runes and Feminine Powers by Freya Aswynn

Power and Principles of the Runes by Freya Aswynn

Witchcraft and Magic in the Nordic Middle Ages by Stephen A. Mitchell

intro music by HipGnosis and Paul Avgerinos

outro music – “Havamal” by Freya Aswynn

“After years at a desk job CIA Agent Analia Arias is thrilled when her new boss, Assistant Director Banes, sends her on her first field assignment. That is, until she learns that the national emergency involves a disturbance at the International Institute for the Research of Psychic Phenomena. As the case unfolds Agent Arias finds she is investigating parallel universes, inter-dimensional demons, a possessed magician, and time traveling monks who have a tendency to disappear. And to solve the case, she will have to rely on the mysterious Arthur Alexander who uses ancient weapons, occult powers, and intuition to fight the forces of evil–forces that in this instance, Agent Arias is not even sure exist. The Dark Brotherhood is a fast-paced adventure that takes the reader on an electrifying ride between the everyday world of form, and the world of shadows and secret powers.”

The Dark Brotherhood is a novel in the tradition of great occult fiction, although with a modern twist. I found it to be fast-paced, exciting, and engaging – combining espionage, occultism, and the battle between light and darkness. Although it reads like a thriller, the authors have woven profound lessons of ancient wisdom into the story, transmitting these ideas in an unlikely, but appealing manner. Clark and Forbes deserve credit for making the concepts of the Western Mystery tradition accessible to a very wide audience. If you enjoy well-written fiction that treats occultism with respect, you’ll appreciate The Dark Brotherhood. Recommended!

Also, be sure to check out Paul’s previous book of Dr. Arthur Alexander adventures – The Broken Seal and Other Cases.

In the Occult of Personality Membership Section, Paul Clark joined us to discuss occult fiction and its significance.

The Dark Brotherhood by Paul A. Clark and C. L. Forbes

Podcast 46 – Fraternity of the Hidden Light’s Steward, Dr. Paul Clark

Podcast 66 – Dr. Paul Clark

Podcast 84 – Dr. Paul Clark

Fraternity of the Hidden Light

Personal Fulfillment and the Laws of Consciousness by Paul A. Clark

The Broken Seal and Other Cases by Paul A. Clark

The Singing Stones by Dolores Ashcroft-Nowicki

The Secrets of Dr. Taverner by Dion Fortune

intro music by HipGnosis and Paul Avgerinos

outro music by John Ludi (The Quiet Earth Orchestra) – “A New Light”

William begins the interview by discussing the 2011 Esoteric Book Conference taking place on September 10th and 11th in Seattle. He talks about the publishers of fine books which will be in attendance, the art show, and the presentations on a myriad of esoteric subjects. In it’s third year, the Esoteric Book Conference is on the way to becoming a tradition… a welcome one.

William also talks about some of the latest offerings from Ouroboros Press – Publisher of Classic Texts in Western Esotericism for Libraries & Laboratories. These include Count Michael Maier’s Jocus Severus and Giordano Bruno’s Cantus Circaeus.

William also tells us about his fruitful efforts to publish a new edition of Elias Ashmole’s classic Theatrum Chemicum Britannicum. We discuss the origins and significance of this exquisite volume which will soon be forthcoming.

Esoteric Book Conference 2011 (tickets available online)

Ouroboros Press

podcast 69 – William Kiesel

Theatrum Chemicum Britannicum

The Serpent Bites Its Tail

intro music by HipGnosis and Paul Avgerinos

outro music by Aarni – Ethanol Jam