In podcast episode 81, we’re joined by occult author, magician, and esoteric researcher David Rankine. “David lives and works on the Welsh borders with his wife, the author Sorita d’Este. David has been writing and contributing articles to a variety of publications, and has given lectures, workshops and presentations since the early 1980’s. His personal passions include the Qabalah, Medieval and Renaissance Magick (particularly the Grimoires), Heka (Egyptian Magick) and Thelema. Since 2003 he has been working with occult legend Stephen Skinner, co-writing and producing the highly acclaimed Sourceworks of Ceremonial Magic series. These books make available for the first time previously unpublished manuscripts and Grimoires of great significance to the development of modern magick.”

An extremely prolific researcher and writer who is at the forefront of providing authentic magickal source materials, David begins the interview as he describes his early experiences in esoteric studies and notes that discipline in practice can also extend to other endeavors, like writing. Next we explore the Qabalah  and its importance as the foundation of the Western Mystery Tradition from a historic perspective.

David delves into the manner in which Qabalah was incorporated into various Renaissance magical systems in the same way that it has been used to map mystical and metaphysical concepts in a cohesive manner since antiquity. Specifically, he discusses the theory and practice of the inclusion of Qabalistic divine names in grimoires. Then he considers theurgic and practical aspects of Qabalistic practice.

We finish the conversation as David shares his thoughts about his wife and partner, Sorita d’Este. He describes their writing collaboration and the mission of Avalonia Books.

Join us in the Occult of Personality Membership Section for the second part of this fascinating interview.

David Rankine

David Rankine biography

Sorita d’Este

Avalonia Books

“Climbing the Tree of Life: A Manual of Practical Magickal Qabalah” by David Rankine

“Practical Qabalah Magick” by David Rankine and Sorita d’Este

“A Collection of Magical Secrets and A Treatise of Mixed Cabalah” with introduction and commentary by Stephen Skinner and David Rankine

“The Book of Treasure Spirits” introduction and commentary by David Rankine

“Veritable Key of Solomon” (Sourceworks of Ceremonial Magic Series) by Stephen Skinner and David Rankine

“Practical Angel Magic of Dr John Dee’s Enochian Tables: Tabularum Bonorum Angelorum Invocationes” (Sourceworks of Ceremonial Magic Series) by Stephen Skinner and David Rankine

“The Goetia of Dr Rudd: The Angels & Demons of Liber Malorum Spirituum Seu Goetia Lemegeton Clavicula Salomanis” (Sourceworks of Ceremonial Magic) by Stephen Skinner and David Rankine

“Practical Planetary Magick : Working the Magick of the Classical Planets in the Western Mystery Tradition” by David Rankine and Sorita d’Este

“Practical Elemental Magick: Working the Magick of Air Fire Water & Earth in the Western Esoteric Tradition” by David Rankine and Sorita d’Este

“Hekate Liminal Rites: A Study of the rituals, magic and symbols of the torch-bearing Triple Goddess of the Crossroads” by Sorita d’Este and David Rankine

“Both Sides of Heaven: Essays on Angels, Fallen Angels and Demons”

“Horns of Power: Manifestations of the Horned God”

“The Guises of the Morrigan – The Irish Goddess of Sex & Battle” by David Rankine and Sorita D’Este

“The Isles of the Many Gods: An A-Z of the Pagan Gods & Goddesses worshipped in Ancient Britain during the first Millenium CE through to the Middle Ages” by David Rankine and Sorita D’Este

“Heka – The Practices of Ancient Egyptian Ritual and Magic” by David Rankine

intro music by HipGnosis and Darkfold

outro music by Aarni

Technorati Tags: Cabala, consciousness, esoteric, history, Kabbalah, Magic, Magick, mysticism, occult, philosophy, psychology, Qabalah, religion, spirituality, Theurgy

Teacher and author David Goddard returns to the show in podcast episode 80. David’s books include “The Sacred Magic of the Angels”, “The Tree of Sapphires”, “The Tower of Alchemy”, and “The Dragon-Treasure of Hermes”. He is the co-founder of Rising Phoenix Foundation and was our guest previously in podcast episodes 54 and 62.

In this interview, David shares his thoughts about Qabalah as the only complete system of esoteric wisdom remaining in the West. Next, he shares his thoughts about how theurgic practice encourages human evolution by helping one reeducate the personality and the subconscious mind. Last, David describes the danger of pride for those on the magical path.

Join us in the Occult of Personality Membership Section for the second part of this fascinating interview.

Rising Phoenix Foundation

David Goddard events

Inner Fire Journal

“Podcast 54 – David Goddard”

“Podcast 62 – David Goddard”

“The Sacred Magic of the Angels” by David Goddard

“Tree of Sapphires: Enlightened Qabalah” by David Goddard

“The Tower of Alchemy: An Advanced Guide to the Great Work” by David Goddard

intro music by HipGnosis and Darkfold

outro music by William Zeitler

Technorati Tags: consciousness, esoteric, Hermetics, Magic, mysticism, occult, philosophy, psychology, Qabalah, religion, spirituality, Theurgy

In podcast episode 79, we’re joined by Collen A’Miketh, author of the book “Whiskey, Tango, Foxtrot. Over? A Book About Stuff“. Collen is a mage with extensive experience in Magick and esoteric studies. We discuss his esoteric history, training, influences, and then discuss his book which is based primarily on chaos magic theory and practice, focusing on practical aspects.

Collen uses humor effectively throughout the book to present his ideas and knowledge in a very down-to-earth manner. He describes his perspective on bringing magical practice into everyday life and effective ways that this can be done. We spend some time talking about solitary work versus group work and the nature of each. We delve into the nature of perceived reality and subjectivity. Then we tackle the concept of will, manifested will, and how it applies to our practice and life. Collen also stresses the importance of humor and having fun while doing the hard work of self-realization.

Please join us in the Occult of Personality Membership Section where Collen discusses his opinion about esotericism and Freemasonry which is quite interesting considering that he’s the master of his Masonic lodge. He also guides a fascinating meditation called “The Phoenix Box”.

Collen A’Miketh

“Whiskey, Tango, Foxtrot. Over?” by Collen A’Miketh

review of “Whiskey, Tango, Foxtrot. Over?” from The Esoteric Book Review by Nina Lazarus

“Hiram a-lam-a Shaman. Hold the Abif” by Collen A’Miketh

“The True and Invisible Rosicrucian Order: An Interpretation of the Rosicrucian Allegory and An Explanation of the Ten Rosicrucian Grades” by Paul Foster Case

intro music by HipGnosis and Darkfold

outro music by Dan-O – “Ambershire”

Technorati Tags: Alchemy, ceremony, chaos magic, consciousness, esoteric, Gnosis, Hermetics, Magick, meditation, Mystery schools, mysticism, occult, philosophy, psychology, Qabalah, religion, ritual, Rosicrucianism, spirituality, symbolism

Announcing the Occult of Personality Membership Section!

I’m very pleased to announce the new Occult of Personality Membership Section. This new web site has been designed to provide you with high-quality interviews, presentations, lectures, as well as guided meditations. Going more in-depth and bringing you a wider range of recorded material, the Membership Section aims to take the journey of self-discovery to a higher level by delving deep into subjects that are at the heart of esoteric studies.

Access to all Membership Section content, including the archive of older podcast episodes from 2007 – 2008, can be yours for only $7.95 per month. Click here for details.

The Membership Section currently features:

• Lynn Hayes of Astrodynamics.net explaining how to interpret a natal chart using Sir Francis Bacon as the subject
• Joe Moore of Occult Sentinel discussing holotropic breathwork and Dr. Stan Grof
• an excerpt about Paul Foster Case from Mitch Horowitz’s wonderful book “Occult America: The Secret History of How Mysticism Shaped Our Nation“
• an explanation of the origins and history of the Tarot by scholar and artist Robert Place, creator of numerous Tarot decks, including The Alchemical Tarot, as well as the author of “The Tarot: History, Symbolism, and Divination“
• Christopher Knowles, who was our guest in episodes 68 and 72, discussing the influence of Dr. Carl Gustav Jung’s work in psychology, symbolism, and even Gnosticism on his own research
• the archive of podcast episodes from 2007 – 2008

I thank all of the dedicated listeners who supported the creation of the Occult of Personality Membership Section web site with donations and encouragement. You helped make this possible.

I’ve invested a great deal of time and energy designing the Occult of Personality Membership Section and know that it took longer to deliver than I expected. If you’re curious about why, please see “What Took So Long?”

I invite you to become a member to take advantage of the exclusive content and support Occult of Personality!

———————————————————————————————————————-

In podcast episode 78, we’re joined by Joe Moore. Joe is the host of the Occult Sentinel podcast, a trained and certified breath work practitioner, and actively investigating human consciousness and evolution from a multitude of approaches. Occult Sentinel features interviews with occult and esoteric writers and teachers as well. Joe’s got a good interviewing style and I always enjoy listening to his show. Aside from that, I know Joe personally and he’s an incredibly dynamic guy who’s insightful in esoteric matters, partly because of his extensive experience with breath work and shamanism.

Joe joins us to discuss his show, Aleister Crowley, religion and esotericism, shamanism and psychedelic exploration, the esoteric environment in the greater Boston area, 2012, and much more.

The second part of the interview where Joe talks specifically about Dr. Stan Grof and holotropic breathwork is available in the Occult of Personality Membership Section.

relevant links:

Occult Sentinel

Evolver.net

Stanislav Grof

intro music by HipGnosis and “Nomads” by Darkfold

outro music by Dogstar Tantra – “Soul Strokes”

Occult of Personality presents “Meditation and the Western Esoteric Tradition”, the fourth in a series, on Friday, January 29th at 8 PM in Beverly, MA. Please see the link for specific details.

Technorati Tags: 2012, Alchemy, Aleister Crowley, breath work, consciousness, entheogens, esoteric, Magick, mysticism, occult, philosophy, psychedelics, psychology, religion, shamanism, spirituality, Stan Grof, symbolism, Thelema

In podcast episode 77, we’re joined by astrologer Lynn Hayes.

“Lynn has been a consulting astrologer since the mid-1980s, working with clients to achieve greater self-understanding and empowerment. She uses the birthchart to identify psychological and evolutionary patterns and systems, and then uses a powerful combination of methods including “vision crafting” to permit breakthroughs in all areas of life and heal old wounds that can prevent moving forward. Clients report rapid progress in breaking through areas where they formerly felt “stuck,” and achieving a level of self-understanding not before known. This is why Lynn calls her practice “Astrodynamics.”"

We begin our conversation with Lynn’s interest in astrology and her unique approach. Through the use of psychological astrology, Lynn is able to assist others transform their lives. She describes this process as an alchemical method. We discuss Western astrology from a historical perspective and Lynn explains how her methods are different and geared more toward personal growth instead of prediction. We examine the astrological correspondences and how these manifest with deep implications about the nature of reality and our psychological conditions.

We explore the concepts of fate and predestination compared to free will. Lynn explains how scientific research indicates that human consciousness is far more influential than we usually assume. The birthchart provides a way to understand ourselves and can be used as a map or guide to help navigate through life with great benefit, allowing one to be proactive rather than reactive. She then explains how current events, including the economy, relate and correspond to locations of stars and planets, providing a variety of examples. We discuss the implication of Pluto’s location in the heavens as well as Saturn and Uranus, whose positions in the coming months and years will highlight the transformation from concern with the physical and material to a focus on more spiritual matters.

We then delve into the realm where esoteric studies and conspiracy research converge. Lynn indicates that these intersection points are valid as guideposts to the way that, since ancient times, knowledge and wisdom has been kept from the majority of people. Lynn also explains how astrological practice and readings can serve as a tool we can use to become more aware of ourselves and our universe.

Lynn’s approach to astrology, her knowledge of psychology and history, combined with her effective practical methods make her successful at what she does. I highly recommend that you check out Lynn’s web site, blog, and internet radio show to explore her work and gain the benefit of her expertise.

The second part of our interview with Lynn is available in the Occult of Personality Membership Section. She explains how to interpret a natal chart using Sir Francis Bacon as the subject.

relevant links:

Astrodynamics – Lynn Hayes’ web site

Lynn Hayes bio

Astrological Musings – Lynn’s blog

Astological Musings on blogtalkradio – Lynn’s weekly internet radio show

Astrodynamics on Facebook

intro music by HipGnosis and “Nomads” by Darkfold

outro music by Jesse Miller (check out Jesse’s Mystic Mind Podcast) – “Into the Sun”

Occult of Personality presents “Meditation and the Western Esoteric Tradition”, the third in a series, on Friday, December 18th at 8 PM. Please see the link for specific details.

Technorati Tags: 2012, Alchemy, ancient civilizations, Astrodynamics, astrology, astrotheology, consciousness, conspiracy, crop circles, economic crisis, economy, esoteric, history, mysticism, occult, philosophy, politics, prediction, psychology, religion, revolution, spirituality, symbolism, theology, UFOlogy, UFOs

In podcast episode 76, we’re joined by Nema and Aion, charter members of the Horus / Maat Lodge, a manifestation of the magickal double-current of the Aeon of Horus (93) and the Aeon of Maat (696). Comprised of Thelemic elements and Maat Magick, the Horus / Maat Lodge exists as a free and open magickal community. “There are no degrees, lessons, laws, requirements, or restrictions of any kind in the H.M.L., save Truth.”

We begin the interview by talking about their interest in esoteric studies and alternative spirituality. From there we learn about the origins of the Horus / Maat Lodge. Nema describes a group time-travel ritual in which she and others encountered a being from the future, named N’Aton. N’Aton is perceived as the idealized emerging consciousness of our species and its manifestation is the goal of the central ritual of the lodge. This event was closely followed by the transmission of “Liber Pennae Praenumbra” which announced the beginning of the Aeon of Maat in 1974.

“In this Aeonic system, the Aeon of Horus began in 1904 with the writing of Liber AL vel Legis. The formula is that of the Crowned and Conquering Child, the Prince who ascends the throne upon the death (transformation) of the King, his father. The monument of the Osirian Aeon, the Military-Industrial Complex of East and West, has achieved its apotheosis in the nuclear arsenals that are capable of sterilizing the planet. It’s the mission of Horus to represent this existential ultimatum as the Lord of Force and Fire.

“The necessity at the base of the formula is neither subsistence nor sovereignty: it is survival. The Child is the point of the Aeon: the continuation of the human race. The Law of the Aeon is Love under Will; the application of this Law destroys the poison remnants of Osiris while at the same time it places power and responsibility in the hands of the individual.

“Running concurrently with the Aeon of Horus since 1974 is the Aeon of Maat. She is the Daughter, twin to Horus, and her formula is Truth and Balance. She complements Horus’ warrior nature with her measure and justice. She ensures the survival that Horus establishes by initiating a fundamental change in humanity: the awakening of the Racial Unconscious to Racial Consciousness. As Horus signifies the Atomic Age, Maat signifies the Information Age; her Word is IPSOS, “by the same mouth”. In the Double Aeon, food production has at the same time become more automated and more home-grown organic, as business or belief. Recombinant DNA research and cloning promises changes in this area.

“The successful transformation of humanity into a doubly-conscious species brings about the Wordless Aeon, whose particular godform is Harpocrate. Physical speech is unnecessary with a shared Consciousness; therefore is this Aeon Wordless.”
- Nema, “Panaeonic Magick“

Aion then describes the impact of this magickal material and the journey to link up with Nema. From there we begin to discuss the transmission of knowledge from trans-dimensional intelligence, the evolution of humanity, the advance of technology, archetypal energies, the expansion of consciousness, and the future.

Nema explains some of the gematria employed  in her book “Maat Magick: A Guide to Self Initiation” and its implications. Nema and Aion talk about how Horus / Maat Lodge functions as an anti-authoritarian “cyberlodge“. We also discuss the concept and validity of self-initiation, the importance of daily spiritual practice, play and happiness, paying attention, and much, much more.

relevant links:

Horus / Maat Lodge

“Nema (occultist)” Wikipedia entry

Aion 131

“Maat Magick: A Guide to Self Initiation” by Nema

“Maatian Meditations And Considerations” by Nema

“Panaeonic Magick” by Nema

“The Evolution of Maat Magick: from Cornfields to Cyberspace” by Nema

“Liber Pennae Praenumbra”

“On Cyberlodges” by Aion

Silver Star – A Journal of New Magick

intro music by HipGnosis and Darkfold

outro music by Aarni – “Ethanol Jam”

Occult of Personality presents “Meditation and the Western Esoteric Tradition”, the second in a series, on Friday, November 20th at 8 PM. Please see the link for specific details.

Technorati Tags: ancient civilizations, consciousness, DNA, Egypt, esoteric, esoteric orders, evolution, futurism, gematria, history, Horus, Maat, Magick, mysticism, mythology, occult, philosophy, politics, psychedelics, psychology, Qabalah, religion, sociology, spirituality, technology, Thelema

“Robert M. Place is an internationally known visionary artist and illustrator, whose award winning works, in painting, sculpture, and jewelry, have been displayed in galleries and museums in America, Europe, and Japan and graced the covers and pages of numerous books and publications. He is the designer, illustrator, and co-author, with Rosemary Ellen Guiley, of: The Alchemical Tarot and The Angels Tarot, which are both published by HarperCollins and have received international acclaim particularly for their skillful and illuminating graphics. He is the designer, illustrator, and author of The Tarot of the Saints, and The Buddha Tarot, which are published by Llewellyn. His fifth book, The Tarot: History, Symbolism, and Divination, is published by Tarcher/Penguin. He has also authored Astrology and Divination, Magic and Alchemy, and Shamanism. His latest Tarot deck and book set is The Vampire Tarot, published by St. Martins Press.”

To begin episode 75, Robert describes the prophetic and synchronistic manner that he was introduced to the Tarot. As an artist, he was able to intuitively grasp the symbolism and levels of meaning portrayed in the Tarot images, allowing him to create “The Alchemical Tarot“, a very highly-acclaimed and beautiful deck. Robert then describes his latest creation, “The Vampire Tarot“.

As a Tarot scholar, his research into the history and folklore of vampires and the Dracula legend led him to the realization that this story was like an inverse of the alchemical quest. The Great Work is analogous to the story told by the Major Arcana of the Tarot. In his analysis of the Dracula legend, Robert realized that this story was also a quest for immortality but in a far darker and different way, replacing the spiritual with the material.

Robert tells us how the vampire legends invoke the Jungian concept of facing the shadow or the other. The resurrection of these legends in literature coincided with the scientific revolution and Romanticism. The original vampire stories, like the unrefined unconscious mind were dark and frightening, but when examined in the light, by writers and artists, these same stories can take on an alluring quality. Robert explains this evolution from a historical, psychological, and artistic perspective.

We finish off the conversation as Robert describes how he views the Dracula legend as analogous to the quest for the Holy Grail. Dracula can be seen as the dark knight and those trying to defeat him as the Knights of the Round Table. His perspective on this legend and his beautiful artwork in “The Vampire Tarot” can bring forth yet another version of the archetypal hero’s quest, there all along and just waiting for us to discover it.

Robert and I recorded another interview based on his research of Tarot history in “The Tarot: History, Symbolism, and Divination“. This second interview is available in the Occult of Personality Member Section.

relevant links:

Alchemical Egg – Robert M. Place’s web site

The Alchemical Tarot web site

The Alchemical Tarot by Robert M. Place

The Buddha Tarot by Robert M. Place

“The Tarot: History, Symbolism, and Divination” by Robert M. Place

“Astrology and Divination, Magic and Alchemy, and Shamanism” by Robert M. Place

“The Vampire Tarot” by Robert M. Place

Rosemary Ellen Guiley

“The Pictorial Key to the Tarot” by A. E. Waite

“Carl Jung” Wikipedia entry

“Dracula” Wikipedia entry

intro music by HipGnosis and Darkfold

outro music by The Electric Crayon Set – “Key to the Sacred Pattern”

Occult of Personality presents “Meditation and the Western Esoteric Tradition” on Thursday, October 29th at 8 PM. Please see the link for specific details.

Technorati Tags: Alchemy, Art, consciousness, Dracula, dreams, esoteric, folklore, history, Jung, legends, mythology, occult, philosophy, psychology, symbolism, Tarot, vampires