Rituals

A new four-part miniseries from Solved Murders: This is the story of a legendary figure of the Wild West… The man widely believed to have inspired the Lone Ranger… Who was born into slavery — and became one of America's most revered lawmen. Listen to Bass Reeves: No Master But Duty, guest hosted by Darnell Ishmel, free and only on Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What do invisible astral jellyfish and egg-laying lemurs with eyes in the back of their heads have in common? They each appear in “The Secret Doctrine,” the masterwork of a famed occultist known for co-founding the Theosophical Society and SERIOUSLY messing with biographers. So, how much of this episode is even true?! Em and Christine root around for the real truth surrounding… Helena Blavatsky

Sure, he was the genius who discovered the laws of motion and gravity, but his methods were highly criticized and far from traditional (he once stuck a needle in his eye socket to determine what light was made of — aka Sir Eye-sick Newton??). From apples to alchemy, Em and Christine discuss the life, science, and secret studies of the Master of the Mint himself… Sir Isaac Newton

Before the internet… Before podcasts… Violet Mary Firth brought magic to the masses by way of auras, chakras, and astral visions (oh my!). Born in Glastonbury in 1890, it was believed by her parents that Violet was a changeling — an impostor replaced by fairies. As she grew older, Violet developed visions of a former life, honed her skills as a trance medium, and changed her name to something more fitting. Today Em and Christine tell the tale of famed occultist… Dion Fortune

You might know his work as a writer and poet during the Beat Movement. Less well-known is that his first published piece was at age 15 on mind control methods (whaaaaat?!). Come for the story of how he killed his wife. Stay for Christine's story about her poem "Ben the Pen." This is a spiritual journey through the writings and life of… William S. Burroughs

You've heard about them on Charmed, Buffy, and in the Harry Potter series. Now get the history of Grimoires from Christine and Em as they rifle through these legendary books containing spells, rituals, and witchcraft laws. After, they discuss three of the most influential Grimoires for your rituals reading list

Let's take a walk on the lighter (or… should we say Blighter?) side of witchcraft! Today, Christine and Em are pivoting from persecution stories to talk about the magic of pellars, aka “good” witches who were popular in their communities and may also have been… narcs? Toss your torches and time travel with us to Cornwall, England to meet the witchy entrepreneur known as… Tamsin Blight

Today Christine and Em are taking a hike — a history hike — into the dawn of civilization, sussing out the occult rituals of humanity's OG innovators. Did they create agriculture? Sure. Math? Mmhm. The concept of time? Yup. But did they believe in magic? Hell yeah. These are powers, practitioners, and gods of… Mesopotamia

Have you ever taken the fall for someone else, then watched from the afterlife as their name became more famous than yours? Brutal. Today Em and Christine recount the tale of an Irish witch hunt that pitted the wealthy, influential Alice Kyteler against a toxic bishop. But who took the heat in the end? Alice's servant… Petronilla de Meath

We're sweeping away bad vibes and funneling the world's wisdom into our brains today. Em and Christine unpack the history of the early Wicca movement, including its associations with witchcraft. Crack open your Book of Shadows and join us in the Land of the Youth for the beginner's guide to… Wicca

Vedic demons. Quartz dildos. And the Taliban? Nowadays we're seeing crystals hit the market with real gusto — but there is so! much! more! to their story than meets the eye. Em and Christine discuss their purported healing powers, their ancient and modern uses, the dark side of mineral extraction, and, of course, Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop.

Once again, we are asking: HOW did we not know about this person?! She was a supernaturally inclined kid, a teenage clairvoyant, a powerful medium by her 30s… and one of the most influential Spiritualists of all time. New icon unlocked? Em and Christine dive into the life and writings of the self-made… Emma Hardinge Britten

Who's down to ditch these corporeal forms and bungee-jump to Neptune? This week, Christine and Em are taking a turn around the astral plane — that liminal realm where the rules of time and space don't apply. How do you get there? Is it even real? What can near-death experiences tell us about it? We're going all-in for... astral projection

He was the all-knowing triple threat you absolutely wanted for your group project. Today Em and Christine unseal the archive on the Greek god responsible for Astrology, Alchemy, the Emerald Tablet, and so much else. These are the ascribed writings and beliefs of… Hermes “say-it-three-times-fast” Trismegistus

The ceremonial robes are donned, the altar is prepared, and the sacrificial meal is distributed... Welcome to Mass! Today Christine and Em break out their Venn Diagrams as they discuss the overlap between organized religion and the occult. Then they're taking us #WombToTomb with the lifelong pursuit of *otherworldly* grace via... the Catholic Church's seven sacraments

Is this the world's most believable medium?? He was beloved in Brazil up until his death in 2002, and known for authoring HUNDREDS of books — all with a little help from the beyond. Em and Christine kick off today's episode with some ghost stories, get on some soap boxes, and sift through the incredible life and Spiritist beliefs of... Chico Xavier

What's that in the water? A shape-shifting seal out to murder some sailors? Sure, let's go with that. Today Christine and Em take us back to 16th-century Norway, and the three waves of witch trials that plagued an isolated fishing village. There were unbelievable accusations, vicious torture methods, and a judge who finally put an end to it all (bless). Get ready to brush up on your Demonology for... the Vardø Witch Trials

He was a famed schmoozer and a globetrotting womanizer in the 1700s who exploited the occult to gain entry into elite circles. And if you've ever wondered where the term “Casanova” comes from, you're in luck — because today, Christine and Em are covering all the *intimate* details of this legendary man's life. Get ready for corpse pranks and premium debauchery as we introduce you to… Giacomo Casanova

It's good to have passions, right? Today's topic is a familiar name on this feed, but today, Christine and Em are following the FULL trajectory of this man's life. He was an eccentric rocket scientist moonlighting as an occultist — co-founder of JPL, leader within a secret society, investigated by the FBI, and there's even a crater on the MOON named after him. This is the far-out, rocket-fueled existence of none other than… Jack Parsons

What if you knew *almost* exactly what would happen to you in your afterlife — but standing in your way of eternal bliss were a handful of monsters, some geological terrors, and the weight of your heart? Wouldn't it be nice to have some sort of guidebook? Today, Christine and Em head back to ancient Egypt to pry open the history, spells, and original name of… the Book of the Dead

Enrollment is now open. Inquire within! This week, Em and Christine have a metaphorical trampoline hang to ponder the universe. What does it all MEAN? Luckily, they have a secret society — whose philosophical roots date back to ancient Egypt — to help ‘em out. But just because we're pursuing some big answers doesn't mean there are no mysteries here. Examine the nebulous origins, mysterious founder, and transcendent beliefs of... the Rosicrucians

Will the real Nick Flamel please stand up? This week Christine and Em discuss the alchemist famed for 1) finding a sacred object and 2) using it to turn lead into gold. He was born in the 14th century, but tbh he's probably still alive. If your knowledge of this real-life figure begins and ends with Harry Potter, get ready for a deep dive. This is the life and legacy of... Nicolas Flamel and the Philosopher's Stone

Do we detect the slightest chill in the air? This week Christine and Em dial up the goosebumps to discuss the devoted pets of witches — and let's make one thing clear from the jump. These aren't just cute, loyal fur babies. They're spooky little demons! Allegedly controlled by an evil spirit, they had way more tricks up their sleeves than “sit” and “stay.” Take a walk through the blood-spotted history of... familiars

Knock, knock. Who's there? Two sly sisters who've kept us guessing for centuries... This week, Christine and Em hunt for truth in the story of Maggie and Kate Fox, who claimed the knocks they heard every night were coming from beyond the grave. Was this duo truly supernaturally gifted, or simply *incredible* at putting on a show? See if you can spot the tricks of... the Fox sisters

Cool aunts, saints' body parts, and inescapable demonic possession — this episode has truly got it all. Christine and Em rewind the true* story behind the 1973 horror film, The Exorcist. Is it a tale so chilling your ears will frost over? You gotta listen to find out. Let's get into the allegedly real-life exorcism of a young boy named Ronald Hunkeler... aka, the infamous Roland Doe

It's magicians vs. mediums in today's episode! Em and Christine conjure the life of Harry Houdini and his relentless crusade against his enemies, aka 20th-century Spiritualists. What was at the root of his hatred? How far would he go to expose them as frauds? We've got plenty of petty feuding, impassioned takedowns, and one juicy conspiracy theory up our sleeves... Come one, come all!

He was a showman, psychic, and tabloid publisher we *really* wanted to like... until he started befriending Nazis and advising Hitler. Today Em and Christine unpack the life of “Europe's greatest clairvoyant” to examine how exactly he became the “Prophet of the Third Reich.” These are the predictions, circus shows, and supremely unfortunate life decisions of... Erik Jan Hanussen

A mysterious lady invites you over to check out her magical cabinet. Wyd? Well, one option is to go back to her place and conjure the ghost of a long-dead sorcerer! Today, Christine and Em are conjuring the life of a mid-1800s seminary student whose faith led him straight into radical socialism and the occult. He was a troublemaker who was convicted on charges like “preaching impiety” and “subversion” while writing influential books. Get to know the man behind the magic... Éliphas Lévi

Now *that* is a malevolent look... This week Em and Christine take an around-the-world tour of Evil Eye lore! How much power is there in a hostile stare? And what happens if you're on the receiving end? (Spoiler: nothing good!) From ancient amulets to modern accessories, Em and Christine are making heads and tails out of the “little blue eyeball-lookin' thing” that wields so much force

A proponent of free love in the 1800s? Sign us up!!! This week, Em and Christine introduce a man who lived *many* lives. He was a barber, doctor, occultist, spiritualist, and writer whose pen name was “The Rosicrucian.” So yeah, this guy ruled. And yet his legacy's been largely ignored, likely due to racism. Em takes Christine through the visions, writings, and arcane science of... Paschal Beverly Randolph

In the 1940s, an actual rocket scientist tried to summon the goddess of sexuality. Why? To turn her into a flesh-and-blood human being, naturally! This week, Christine and Em open the book on the strange saga of JPL co-founder Jack Parsons, and his quest to create a moonchild using a series of rituals known as... Babalon Working

This week Christine and Em head into 1880s London to hobnob with the city's occult heavyweights — which *mayhap surprisingly* includes a Nobel Prize-winning poet! This Irish writer was unapologetic about his love for mysticism, and has the occult pedigree to prove it. From “Esoteric Buddhism” to spirit communication, Em and Christine crack into the magical pursuits of… William Butler Yeats ✍️ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's an ancient artifact rumored to hold the secrets of the universe, including instructions on how to make a Philosopher's Stone. And it's shown up in history enough times to make its mystery all the more alluring. So who's up for a treasure hunt?? Em and Christine chase after the most mysterious document ever — the elusive, priceless Emerald Tablet

He traveled astral planes. Uncovered secrets of the universe. And entered mesmeric states all on his own. This week, Christine and Em head back into the 1800s, to Orange County, New York, to unravel the mysteries, influence, and many, many books of... Andrew Jackson Davis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You know what makes for a toxic mix? Political power and spiritualism! Which is right where we land with today's story of a man known as the Mad Monk: fugitive, fortune teller, and self-proclaimed healer. Christine and Em mull over the imperial influence and wild rumors surrounding the ever-controversial figure... Rasputin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

History has shown us that false accusations of witchcraft can be weaponized against vulnerable women. But it's not a practice we've totally left behind. This week Christine and Em talk about the present-day witch camps of Ghana, where women accused of practicing the dark arts are banished. Today's episode is heavy on some pretty dark facts and stats, but there *is* some light at the end of the tunnel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Crystal balls at the ready? This week Christine and Em are gazing into the past, present and future of fortune telling — and it is one wild ride! They're talking psychic energies and protective magic, fashion statements and scrying. Plus the incredible stories of practitioners throughout time. Enjoy!

The royal hunt is on... This week, Christine and Em talk about a king with a thing for persecuting witches. So much so, that he *updated* religious texts and wrote his very own book to malign them! When you rule three countries, what can't you do? Practice your curtsies and bows, because today's topic is... King James I

It's about to get deviant up in here. This week, Christine and Em examine the sexual rituals, wild writings, and unorthodox (to put it mildly!) beliefs of a notorious occultist living in the early 20th century. He went by the name of... Aleister Crowley

Tree bark. Bird brains. Earthworms. Not the most seductive-sounding ingredients! And yet they've all been used to charm the socks off potential lovers for centuries. Christine and Em lap up the fascinating history of love potions, from the “love cakes” of the Middle Ages, to an around-the-world tour of concoctions and aphrodisiacs, to modern interpretations of this ~slightly~ problematic practice. Drink up, me hearties? ❤️‍

You're probably at least casually acquainted with The Bell Jar, but did you also know its brilliant author had a mystical side? We're talking tarot, Ouija, crystal balls, and what her husband called the “magnificent fun” of the occult. Christine walks Em through the work and otherworldly influences of... Sylvia Plath ✍

Maybe it's an instrument of the devil. Maybe it's just a fun way to talk with the dead! This week Christine and Em are finding out... by going deep into the history, headlines, and wild family grudges surrounding the 19th- and 20th-century phenomenon known as... Ouija Boards