Into the Cauldron

In this episode of the Mystai Podcast, I am rejoined by occult & author Julian Vayne. On the back of our last episode together, this time we discuss the historical context and evolution of Chaos Magic with texts like Caroll's Liber Nul & Psychonaught and some of the things modern Chaos Magicians get wrong about the system. We also have some fascinating insights into Psychogeography, consciousness & the metaphoric language we use to describe it, and how that is affected through use of psychoactive substances. You can connect with Julian on his website: https://julianvayne.com/ His book "Getting Higher: The Manual of Psychedelic Ceremony" is available here: https://psychedelicpress.co.uk/collections/books/products/getting-higher-psychedelic-julian-vayne Find me on the internet ►TWITTER: https://x.com/ChrisLyonX?mx=2 ►INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/mystaiofficial/ ►FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/mystaiofficial ►SUBSTACK: https://chrislyon.substack.com ►DISCORD: https://discord.com/invite/j2rChj4YFB I am currently teaching a lecture series on Ancient & Late Antique Hermeticism. Do check it out! https://www.mystai.co.uk/way-of-hermes

In this episode of the Mystai Podcast, I am rejoined by Ben Stimpson, Llewellyn author of Ancestral Whispers, and the forthcoming Wise Ones with Crossed Crow. Ben has been a long-time friend & fellow on my own author journey, so it was a pleasure to sit back down with him after 3 years and do a retrospective on how we've both changed. In this episode we discuss his recent focus on the Cunning Folk in England & Wales, how their accounts differed from European counterparts & explore some contemporary issues and hot topics in modern pagan reconstructions & how we go about constructing narratives of practice. Ben's book, Ancestral Whispers can be found at Llewellyn here: https://www.llewellyn.com/product.php?ean=9780738774725 You can also connect with him on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/BenStimpsonAuthor/ Find me on the internet ►TWITTER: https://x.com/ChrisLyonX?mx=2 ►INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/mystaiofficial/ ►FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/mystaiofficial ►SUBSTACK: https://chrislyon.substack.com ►DISCORD: https://discord.com/invite/j2rChj4YFB I am currently teaching a lecture series on Ancient & Late Antique Hermeticism. Do check it out! https://www.mystai.co.uk/way-of-hermes

In this episode of the Mystai Podcast, I'm re-join by author of the Gaessa trilogy, Kerry Wisner. We catch up on what life has been like over the past 2 years and Kerry's new discoveries in the Arte as well as his philosophies on practical witchcraft, especially those derived from his teachings in hermetic orders & tutelage under a family of hereditary witches. I highly recommend checking out Kerry's books with Troy here: https://www.troybooks.co.uk/kerry-wisner/ Kerry also runs classes & talks through his site at: https://www.akhetservices.com/index.html Find me on the internet: ►TWITTER: https://x.com/ChrisLyonX?mx=2 ►INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/mystaiofficial/ ►FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/mystaiofficial ►SUBSTACK: https://chrislyon.substack.com ►DISCORD: https://discord.com/invite/j2rChj4YFB I am currently teaching a lecture series on Ancient & Late Antique Hermeticism. Do check it out! https://www.mystai.co.uk/way-of-hermes #traditionalwitchcraft #hermetics #goldendawn #folkloricwitchcraft #queenofelfame #willow #witchcraft

In this episode of the Mystai Podcast, I caught up with Chris Warnock from Renaissance Astrology for a retrospective of our experience working with traditional astrology over the last 3 years. We discuss the concept of iatromathematica (medical astrology) and Melosethia, the practice of assigning astrological and planetary entities to body parts as a kind of subtle physiology. We also unpack problems with atheistic materialist worldview and the practice of Horary Astrology with Chris' case book. Check out Chris' Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@renaissanceastrology Check out his website here: https://www.renaissanceastrology.com/ Find me on the internet ►TWITTER: https://x.com/ChrisLyonX?mx=2 ►INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/mystaiofficial/ ►FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/mystaiofficial ►SUBSTACK: https://chrislyon.substack.com ►DISCORD: https://discord.com/invite/j2rChj4YFB I am currently teaching a lecture series on Ancient & Late Antique Hermeticism. Do check it out! https://www.mystai.co.uk/way-of-hermes

In this revival episode of the Mystai Podcast, I caught up with Dr Justin Sledge from Esoterica on a retrospective of our experience over the last 3 years. We discuss academic models of Western Esotericism & some of the challenges and opportunities in the field. In light of B.C Otto's recent paper on Frater Acher's Arbatel experience in the journal of Entangled Religions, 14(3), we also discuss the extent to which modern practitioners' experiences can be approached for academic study from Phenomenological and Ethnographic perspectives to inform our understanding of the lived experience of historical manuscripts. In the second half, we unpack the history & reception of the Hermetic tradition & speculate on its authors, practical experience and spread out of Egypt. Check out Justin's Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEsotericaChannel Find me on the internet ►TWITTER: https://x.com/ChrisLyonX?mx=2 ►INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/mystaiofficial/ ►FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/mystaiofficial ►SUBSTACK: https://chrislyon.substack.com ►DISCORD: https://discord.com/invite/j2rChj4YFB I am currently teaching a lecture series on Ancient & Late Antique Hermeticism. Do check it out! https://www.mystai.co.uk/way-of-hermes #hermeticphilosophy #hermeticism #hermestrismegistus #esoterica #esotericism #occultism #greekmagicalpapyri #neoplatonism

This week i'm joined by Sara Mastros, author of the recent Sorcery of Solomon the King and translator of the Orphic Hymns Grimoire. We discuss her new work with the Sefer Ha'Ot and various Jewish Pentacles as well as her inspirations, background and approach to magical cosmologies. We also touch on the process of hermeneutics and translation and the role of meter in magic and poetry! Check out Sara's YouTube channel and instagram here: https://youtube.com/@SaraMastros?si=oobkVBxl8wyw2d4n https://www.instagram.com/saramastroswitchlessons/ Sara teaches lessons on witchcraft at her website here: https://www.mastroszealot.com/courses-lessons The Sorcery of Solomon: A Guide to the 44 Planetary Pentacles of the Magician King: https://a.co/d/d7Y2ZLD The Orphic Hymns Grimoire: https://a.co/d/6W1DwxL ___________________________________________________________________________ Pre Enrollment & sign up for the waitlist on the new Hermetica Course is live now: https://www.mystai.co.uk/way-of-hermes Follow Mystai in all your usual places:

This week I sat down to chat with Dr David Litwa, translator of Hermetica II, including the fragments of Stobaeus, the Oxford & Vienna Hermetica & fragments from Church Fathers & antique authors in reference to Hermes Trismegistus. We discuss the current scope of Hermetic Literature as well as theories regarding Hermetic Communities & their interactions with early Christian groups. We also examine the figure of Hermes himself, how he was received in various circles up to the Medieval Period & his many roles throughout Hermetic influenced traditions. We equally discuss modern scholarship of the Hermetica, including Christian Bull's hypothesis of disenfranchised Egyptian priests & Hermetic Lodges, Wouter Hanegraaff's theories of Hermetic Spirituality & Christian Wildberg's forthcoming new translation of the Corpus Hermeticum, following his amendments to the marginalia. David is a scholar of ancient Mediterranean religions with a focus on the New Testament and early Christianity. He currently works at Boston College and is the unit chair of the Bible, Myth, and Myth Theory Group at the Society of Biblical Literature, as well as a member of the Society of New Testament Studies (SNTS). You can connect with him on his patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mdavidlitwa David's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@m.davidlitwa ___________________________________________________________________________ Pre Enrollment & sign up for the waitlist on the new Hermetica Course is live now: https://www.mystai.co.uk/way-of-hermes Follow Mystai in all your usual places:

This week I am joined by Philip Carr-Gomm, the previous Chosen Chief of the Order of Bards, Ovates & Druids (OBOD) for a fireside chat style episode of Into the Cauldron. Philip began studying Druidry as a spiritual path with Ross Nichols, the founder of The Order of Bards Ovates and Druids. Later he took a degree in psychology from University College London, and trained in psychotherapy for adults at The Institute of Psychosynthesis, in play therapy for children with Dr Rachel Pinney, and in Sophrology – a system of mind-body training for deep relaxation and personal development. We talk about the Order, the cycles of nature & wheel of the year and the process of using nature as a way of returning to one's sense of home & hearth as well as his journey creating Druidcraft Tarot. OBOD is the most popular Neodruidic order in the world and bases its initatory system on the concept of the three roles of bards, ovates and druids originally from the writings of the ancient Greek historian and geographer Strabo, who in his Geographica, written in the 20s CE, stated that amongst the Gauls, there were three types of honoured figures: the poets and singers known as bardoi, the diviners and specialists in the natural world known as o'vateis, and those who studied "moral philosophy", the druidai. It is also partly based on the Welsh Gorsedd of Bards. Check out Philip's website here: https://philipcarr-gomm.com/ Check out OBOD's website here: https://druidry.org/ Interested in Esoteric Scholarship & historical Occult practice? Check out our flagship training program: https://www.mystai.co.uk/omm Follow Mystai in all your usual places:

In this episode I am joined by Matthias Castle, the forthcoming translator of the new English edition of the Ars Notoria. We establish the historical tradition and textual evolution of the Notary Art, from its origins with Apollonius of Tyana's Flores Aurei & the angel Pamphilius all the way down to the Summa Sacrae Magicae & De Arte Crucifixi. Matthias is an independent scholar of classical studies, medieval history, and the Western esoteric tradition. After graduating from Emory & Henry College with a degree in religious studies and philosophy, Castle's Latin expertise, rich historical understanding, and keen research skills developed into the more than twenty-year ambitious investigation and translation project that resulted in his new book Ars Notoria: The Notory Art of Solomon, coming out November 28th with Inner Traditions. The 13th-century magical treatise offers a secret account of the sacred angelic magic revealed to King Solomon. This new complete translation features both the short and long versions (A, A2 & B) based on Julien Veronese's critical Latin edition and includes all of the original figures (notae), essential for inspection during ritual. You can connect with Matthias on his website at www.matthiascastle.com and I recommend you read his blog on the topics discussed in this video. His book is released November 28th and can be found in most bookstores & online retailers. Check it out here: https://www.innertraditions.com/books... Interested in Esoteric Scholarship & historical Occult practice? Check out our flagship training program: https://www.mystai.co.uk/omm Follow Mystai in all your usual places:

This week I am joined by Samuel David, author of the recently released book The Red Shepherd: Towards a New Image of Dumuzid to discuss aspects of Mesopotamian magic and his work with these Mysteries. Samuel is a Mesopotamian polytheist, artist, writer, researcher, and educator based in the American Midwest. His presentations at local pagan festivals, national, and international conventions include lectures, rituals, and workshops and his adaptation of “The Descent of Inanna” has been featured as classroom material for California State University, Los Angeles' 2020 ancient history syllabus. As a representative for Temple Sangamon, chairperson for The Council of Near Eastern Pagan Religions, and founder of the religious non-profit organization known as Four Reeds, he actively networks and collaborates with others to represent and protect the interests of those who seek to revive the worship of the Ancient Near Eastern gods. This episode sheds light on the intricate practices and beliefs surrounding the revered Shepherd of Mesopotamian lore. With evidence sourced from various historical documents and archaeological findings, we aim to provide a balanced and well-researched viewpoint. Samuel's new book has been released through Anathema, and you can find it here: https://www.anathemapublishing.com/books-prints/p/the-red-shepherd He is also on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rodandring/ Interested in Esoteric Scholarship & historical Occult practice? Check out our flagship training program: https://www.mystai.co.uk/omm Follow Mystai in all your usual places:

I'm joined this week by Marcus of Trollcunningforge, a traditional blacksmith and forger with a background in Alchemy and traditional witchcraft. Marcus runs a smithing workshop and specialises in building custom grimoire tools that are rooted in grimoiric & Cunning Craft techniques, lore & astrological elections. We talk about historical alchemy, especially Paracelsus and the Tria Prima of Mercury, Sulphur & Salt. We also explore the nature of grimoire tools, how to make quenches & means of transferring occult virtues into magical equipment, all the while commenting on some of the folklore, history & stories associated with witchcraft and the Forge throughout history. You can connect with Marcus on Instagram @trollcunningforge where he is taking commissions and running workshops, classes & private tutoring in Occult Blacksmithing. Interested in Esoteric Scholarship & historical Occult practice? Check out our flagship training program: https://www.mystai.co.uk/omm Follow Mystai in all your usual places:

This week I'm joined by Elyse Welles! Elyse is the cohost of the Magick Kitchen Podcast. She is a Greek and American earth intuitive witch and author living on Artemis' temple lands in Greece. An initiate of the eclectic Faery Tradition, her practice is centered on connections to land spirits and sacred places (numina). She is also a monthly columnist for The Wild Hunt, Witch Way Magazine, Full Moon Magazine., and Pagan Pages. Elyse's debut novel, "What the Water Remembers", a paranormal mystery that empowers witches in and out of the broom closet, releases autumn 2024. With ten years of experience and a masters degree in the history of witchcraft, she teaches witchcraft workshops online, gives tours to Greece's sacred sites, and is an intuitive tarot reader. You can learn more about her work on @seekingnumina on Instagram, and seekingnumina.com We talk about her practice living in Greece, some of the contemporary attitudes to witchcraft around Athens, what it's like to live and work in Greek temples that are still standing & of course, about how to connect to Land Spirits and cultivate a lived magical practice. Interested in Esoteric Scholarship & historical Occult practice? Check out our flagship training program: https://www.mystai.co.uk/omm Click here to learn more about our school

This week i'm joined by Eric Purdue, transltor of Agrippa's Three Books of Occult Philosophy and practicing Traditional Astrologer. We discuss the process of translating Agrippa, as well as his sources and influences and some of the major discrepancies between traditional and modern astrology. Interested in Esoteric Scholarship & historical Occult practice? Check out our flagship training program: https://www.mystai.co.uk/omm Click here to learn more about our school

This week we are joined by Applied Hermetics founder, Rufus Opus. Rufus has written multiple books on Hermetic magic & astrology, most notably Seven Spheres, a methodology of Hermetic Ascent & Celestial Magic. His practice is primarily rooted in the 16th century works of Agrippa & Trithemius' method of drawing spirits into crystals as outlined in his Steganographia & other works. In this episode we sit down and discuss modernising hermeticism, some of the ways in which magic can be practical for prosperity & the nature of Justice, both from a Platonic perspective & societal one. Rufus runs his Applied Hermetics school & has an active website blog here: https://rufusopus.com/ ___________________________________________________________________________ In 2022, we launched Golden Shadow Academy - a modern school for esotericism, spiritual development & occult practice. With hundreds of hours of training, classes, and workshops; as well as a growing number of people making up the Inner Mystai Community, Golden Shadow Academy is shaping up to be one of the most unique and progressive esoteric academies in the world. Click here to learn more about our school

It's the Season 2 Premiere of Into the Cauldron! This week we are joined by the amazing Christopher Warnock. Chris has been a traditional astrologer and Renaissance astrological magician since 1998. He has been called "the father of the traditional astrological magic revival" and the "elder statesman" of astrological magic. With John Michael Greer, he translated the Latin edition of the Picatrix, the most important grimoire of traditional astrological magic and has written and published many books on astrological magic and traditional astrology extensively. We talk about the practice of astrological magic, making planetary talismans and how to take a rigorous approach to occult scholarship. Chris also teaches astrology and magic courses and offers authentic astrological talismans. You can follow his work on his website and sign up for his courses here

Join the movement to reclaim your spirituality: https://discord.gg/bPy4VcCTMm We're joined this week by eminent occultist Julian Vayne. Julian is a British independent scholar and author with over three decades of experience within esoteric culture: from Druidry to Chaos Magic, from indigenous Shamanism through to Freemasonry and Witchcraft. Growing up in the Britain of punk and then rave culture Julian immersed himself in the philosophy and techniques of magic. His journey into group ritual practice began within the Western Esoteric Tradition when he was 16. Since then he has worked in ceremony with practitioners from many different lands and lineages. Julian is a senior member of the Magical Pact of the Illuminates of Thanateros and widely recognized as one of Britain's leading occultists. To connect with Julian for readings, celebrants or any of his other work, check out his website here: https://julianvayne.com For those in London, Julian also occasionally hosts talks, events, ceremonies and workshop at Treadwells. Ready for more? Follow Mystai in all your usual places:

Join the movement to reclaim your spirituality: https://discord.gg/bPy4VcCTMm We're joined this week by Kelley, a New England witch and the creative mind behind Realm of Spirit. During her 15 years of practice in occultism, her path in the Old Craft has been heavily influenced by the folk practices of the British Isles, Italy, & France. We dive into an insightful discussion on the Witch Trials, Dream Interpretation & spirit working to bring you some down to earth practices and ideas. To connect with Kelley for readings or training, check out her website here: https://www.realmofspirit.com Follow us in all your usual places:

Join the movement to help dismantle unhealthy power structures and reclaim your spirituality: https://discord.gg/bPy4VcCTMm This week we're joined by the incredible Dr Lynne Kelly! I remember hearing about Lynne's work during my time on excavation and was completely taken with it. She has spent decades working with indigenous communities around the world, especially Australian Aborigines, to study how they codify memory, transmit knowledge and connect to their landscape. In this episode we talk about the different forms of memory, how indigenous communities can remember generations of information and encode knowledge in the landscape itself to have what on the surface looks like super-human memory. We then unpack the importance of these natural trained memory systems as it pertains to ritual and archaeology before concluding with how to go about training your own memory. To connect with Lynne, check out here books here: http://www.lynnekelly.com.au Follow us in all your usual places:

Join the movement to reclaim your spirituality: https://discord.gg/bPy4VcCTMm This week we're joined by one of my favourite guests, Dr Neeta Bushan. I had the honour of meeting Neeta last year in Estonia after certifying as a coach, and she's been an incredible mentor. In this episode we talk about our journey towards coaching, how to alchemise unhealthy viewpoints around emotions and a powerful emotional release process that can transform your relationship to yourself, those around you and your environment. Follow us in all your usual places:

Join the movement to help dismantle unhealthy power structures and reclaim your spirituality: https://discord.gg/bPy4VcCTMm This week we're joined by A.C. Fisher Aldag, author of Common Magick, and lifelong practitioner of folk witchcraft in the United States. We sit down to get her take on ritual, the importance of folk customs, dances and traditions in practice and the methodologies behind her craft, especially for new practitioners. Check out AC's book here: https://books.google.co.uk/books/about/Common_Magick.html?id=IwwIEAAAQBAJ&source=kp_book_description&redir_esc=y Follow us in all your usual places:

Join the movement to help dismantle unhealthy power structures and reclaim your spirituality: https://discord.gg/bPy4VcCTMm This week we're joined by Traditional Witch & Cunning Man Trefor Wickens to talk all about South London Folklore, his experiences in Traditional Witchcraft & the practice of spirit working through Negotiation. Trefor has lived in South London his entire life and frequently hosts talks, workshops and events to get people involved in practical witchcraft and experience spirits directly. His "Faery Walks" around Dulwich Woods have provided tangible experiences for many people, both practitioners and the general public alike. To connect with Trefor, join his Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/347930609827173 Follow us in all your usual places:

Join the movement to help dismantle unhealthy power structures and reclaim your spirituality: https://discord.gg/bPy4VcCTMm This week we are joined by Ben Stimpson, an upcoming author who's book centres on Ancestor Veneration & Connection. In this episode we go deep into discussions of #indigenisation and #colonialism and notions of collective identity. We examine magic and ritual as a technology of memory that is inherent in the landscape and how to go about identifying with your own history, power and identity. Follow us in all your usual places:

Join the movement to help dismantle unhealthy power structures and reclaim your spirituality: https://discord.gg/bPy4VcCTMm This week we're joined by Dr Justin Sledge of Esoterica! Justin has been a great resource, continually putting out top notch, academic material on esotericism and occultism. We jumped on and talked all about how the field of academia is becoming more receptive to occult studies, how to go about studying the grimoire tradition from a historical perspective & the importance of knowing your sources' history. We dive into some great discussions about the nature of Kabbalah, the configuration of the Sephiroth, and what happens when good scholarship leaves a vacuum in public consciousness. Make sure to subscribe to Justin's Channel Esoterica: https://www.youtube.com/c/ESOTERICA Follow us in all your usual places:

Join the movement to help dismantle unhealthy power structures and reclaim your spirituality: https://discord.gg/bPy4VcCTMm Join us this week for what is probably one of my most favourite authors and occultists in recent history, Dr Stephen Skinner. Stephen's work has spanned decades and has contributed immensely to the Western Ceremonial Tradition. In this episode we discuss magick's use of the scientific method, the transmission of methods from the Greco-Egyptian Magical Papyri into the Solomonic Grimoires, Mystery Traditions and Stephen's own approaches and theories on Ceremonial Magic and how spirits can manifest and grant results. We touch on Aleister Crowley and discuss the true way the Book of Law -arguably the central text of Thelema, may have been channeled along with how Stephen's study of Crowley's 777 inspired his own creation of the Complete Magicians Tables. As we draw to a close we compare experiences and find some rather startling common ground! To find a collection of Dr Skinner's work please check out: http://www.sskinner.com/books2.html Follow us in all your usual places:

Join the movement to help dismantle unhealthy power structures and reclaim your spirituality: https://discord.gg/bPy4VcCTMm This week we are joined by Kerry Wisner, author of the Gaessa Trilogy. Kerry has spent decades as a practicing occultist having learnt from very Traditional Witchcraft sources under the guidance of Sybil Leek and Grandma Julie before exploring Hermetic and Rosicrucian orders to develop a systematic practice of Egyptian Magic, In our talk we cover everything from the nature of Traditional Craft to modern Wicca, how and why magick works, hauntings and entities and even the New Age movements and Tik Tok trends! Follow us in all your usual places:

Join the movement to help dismantle unhealthy power structures and reclaim your spirituality: https://discord.gg/bPy4VcCTMm This week we're joined by Esoteric Content Creator and part time Scarlet Woman, Georgina Rose, to talk about the impact of Aleister Crowley on Ceremonial Magic, as well as what modernising Thelema might look like with all the current occult scenes on social media. As we dive in, we compare practice, meditation and learn about the importance of Neoplatonism and why the Kybalion & New Thought Hermetica might not be what they say they are... Subscribe to Georgina's channel here: https://www.youtube.com/c/DaatDarling Follow us in all your usual places: