The Magician and the Fool Podcast

  In this episode we welcome back Mr Nikolas Schreck for our annual Halloween tradition.  We discussed some terrifying topics of existential dread such as impermanence and lack of self, as well as death, ghosts, and much more.  

  In this episode we speak again to author, researcher, and professional dreamer Sarah Janes.  We catch up with what Sarah has been up to the last few years since we last talked, which has been a lot.  We discuss Sarah's dream retreats which she hosts in Greece, Egypt and the UK, and analyze the nature of dream healing, the power of images, language, symbols, and much more.   Sarah Janes website: https://themysteries.org/    

  In this episode we speak to author, researcher, and practitioner Solomon Pakal to discuss the extraordinary religious and spiritual practices of the Mesoamericans. We cover a lot of ground in this episode with an emphasis on the Maya, but touch on topics of ancestor veneration, narco saints, and much more. Enjoy!   Solomon Pakal https://www.instagram.com/Solomon_pakal/?__d=1 https://www.facebook.com/SolomonPakal?_rdr     

  In this episode we are joined by Greg Shaw, PD Newman, Ronnie Pontiac, and Diane Zingale in a roundtable dialog to discuss our thoughts on the fundamental nature of Theurgy, and what could be unraveled regarding a living practice for the modern aspirant   P.D Newman https://www.simonandschuster.com/authors/P-D-Newman/210654539 Ronnie Pontiac https://www.simonandschuster.com/authors/Ronnie-Pontiac/195479184 Greg Shaw https://stonehill.academia.edu/GregoryShaw Diane Zingale https://lvx.org/                

    Today we spoke to author, practitioner, scholar, podcaster Mogg Morgan to discuss his occult background as well as his interests in the esoteric practices of East and West. Many interesting insights were shared during this deep discussion. https://mandrake.uk.net/moggmorgan/ https://www.youtube.com/@EgyptianMagick        

  In this episode we had the pleasure of talking with author and esoteric practitioner, Mike Magee. We discussed Mr Magee's time studying under Kenneth Grant as well as his thoughts on tantric practice, Kali, folk sorcery and more.

  In this episode we welcome back Professor Greg Shaw to discuss his new book "Hellenic Tantra". This was a truly fascinating conversation which explored the ideas of embodied enlightenment from the perspective of the neoplationic theurgists and compared the practices with parallel tantric traditions.   https://angelicopress.com/products/hellenic-tantra-the-gregory-shaw   https://www.academia.edu/11755166/Platonic_Siddhas_Supernatural_Philosophers_of_Neoplatonism     outro music by Lolomis

    In this episode we speak with musician, author, and researcher Ronnie Pontiac to discuss all things Orphic.  Mr Pontiac has released a new book with co-author Tamra Lucid "The Magic of the Orphic Hymns; A new translation for the modern mystic" which is a detailed survey into the history and practice of Orphism and provides valuable context and commentary for this extremely influential and important tradition.   https://www.simonandschuster.com/authors/Ronnie-Pontiac/195479184   https://www.instagram.com/theronniepontiac/?hl=en   https://www.youtube.com/lucidnation     Outro by LOLOMIS        

  We had an extremely interesting discussion with author PD Newman pertaining to theurgic history, theory and practice spanning topics such as the pre-Socratics, the Homeric epics, Hermetism, Alchemy, Chaldean Hekate, Gnosticism, and much more. https://www.innertraditions.com/author/p-d-newman https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Theurgy-Theory-and-Practice/P-D-Newman/9781644118368   Outro by LOLOMIS  

  In this episode we explore the mysterious topic of the Yogini with author and practitioner Gregory Peters. We discuss Gregory's journey and experience with these entities as well as their general nature and the possibility for individuals to potentially experience communion with them on a practical level.   http://gregorypetersauthor.com/   The Original Falcon Press https://originalfalcon.com/yogini-magic.php   Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ophidianvibrations/?hl=en     Outro by LOLOMIS            

   Our Halloween tradition continues with the always ghastly Mr Nikolas Schreck.  In this episode we discussed the importance of spiritual lineage, the dangers with demons, the god Abrasax, synchronicity, dakini, and much more.   https://www.instagram.com/nikolas_schreck_official/?hl=en        

  In this episode we had the pleasure of speaking with Ike Baker of the Arcanvm podcast and YouTube channel. Just hanging out and discussing the Western esoteric tradition.    Ike on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/a.r.c.a.n.v.m/   YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNTK70AOAOi9zMqOZFdvjeA   Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Arcanvvm/     outro by LOLOMIS

  In this episode we speak with author, tarot reader, podcaster, and ceremonial magician, Reverend Erik Arneson. Our discussion was far ranging and covered image magic, the imaginal, the imagination, the art of memory and much more. It was a blast!   The Arnemancy website: https://arnemancy.com/     outro by LOLOMIS  

    In this episode we speak with Arun Joseph Ragan who is a mystic, artist, and a practitioner of antique spiritual traditions. We get to pick Arun's brain and get his unique insight on the Greek Magical Papyri, voces magicae, and the communion with the divine through artistic acts of devotion. This and much more.  Arun on facebook https://www.facebook.com/aruniverse/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/890249298837668?locale=lt_LT   Arun's Etsy shop https://www.etsy.com/shop/arun77nagar Arun's paetron https://www.patreon.com/user?u=30768533      

    In this episode we talk with independent scholar, author, translator.....Mr David Pantano, about his new release "The Hermetic Physician". This fascinating discussion focuses on the Italian hermetic tradition, specifically its later expression as taught by such luminaries as Giuliano M. Kremmerz (1861–1930) . We will discuss the Fratellanza Terapeutica Magica di Miriam and the metaphysics which define how it operates, the role of faith and the personal numan.   https://www.innertraditions.com/author/david-pantano       outro by lolomis  

    In this episode we speak to translator and acquisitions editor for Inner Traditions Jon Graham to discuss the intriguiging intersection of Surrealism and magic.            outro by LOLOMIS

        In this episode we spoke to scholar Paulina Gruffman to discuss her work surrounding the occult juggernaut George Robert Stow Mead. This was a truly illuminating conversation about one of our all time favorite authors. enjoy!   https://lu.academia.edu/PaulinaGruffman      

In this episode we speak to author, performer, musician, and practitioner Shea Bile. We discuss his new book on the occult philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche and its relationship to the Left hand path.  We also tackle the topics of Satanism, Luciferianism, Western tantra and much more.   https://www.atramentouspress.com/nietzsche   https://soundcloud.com/sheabile   https://www.instagram.com/sheabile/?hl=en     outro by LOLOMIS    

  In this episode we speak to author, scholar, practitioner Samuel David to discuss his area of expertise, Mesopotamian Polytheism. This was a wide ranging discussion which highlighted an extremely influential and important pantheon of gods and spiritual practice, which can still be tapped into today.   https://www.youtube.com/@rodandring https://www.anathemapublishing.com/rod-and-ring        outro by LOLOMIS

  In this episode we welcome back Eric Purdue, this time to speak about Lucumi/Santeria. Eric is an initiated santero, and is able to give us a good introduction to this practice.   https://www.ericpurdue.com/       outro by Lolomis

  In this episode we continue our Halloween tradition with the always insightful Nikolas Schreck. We discuss some of the underlying dynamics and mechanics of magic, which includes a serious examination of the concept of Karma. We also discuss Anatta/Anatman, or Non-self. What are the implications of non attachment to the wrongly perceived permanence of the self? This and much more! https://www.nikolasschreck.world/ https://nikolasschreck.bandcamp.com/         outro by LOLOMIS

  We were extremely excited to have Jack Grayle and Susie Chang back on the show. In this episode we cover the epic tales of Homer and the inherent spiritual implications and technologies found in these ancient masterpieces of literature and mysticism. Jack and Susie's insights were invaluable, as always.   https://grayle-lore.teachable.com/   https://www.tsusanchang.com/         outro music by LOLOMIS    

      In this episode author Vesa Iitti guided us through a who's who of the Finnish Occult scene of the 19th through 21st centuries. He helped us understand the context of this movement and these individuals in light of the politics of the day, and Finnish national identity. We also discussed the Kalevala, the national epic of Finland, which partly inspired the works of J.R.R Tolkien.    https://www.instagram.com/lightbringers_of_the_north/ https://www.facebook.com/valonkantajatkirja        

  In this episode we speak with Dr Megan Rose about the interesting phenomenon of spirit marriage , and the role it has had in all cultures and spiritualties of the world.  We also discuss what this looks like in the modern age.   Megan Rose: https://www.drmeganrose.com/        

  In this episode we speak with author, scholar, practitioner Dr John Opsopaus to discuss his new book  The Secret Texts of Hellenic Polytheism: A Practical Guide to the Restored Pagan Religion of George Gemistos Plethon.  Only sixteen chapters of Plethon's Book of Laws survive, and for the first time ever, they have been translated into English in their entirety. We discuss all things Plethon, as well as the practice of Hellinic Polytheism and Theurgy in the modern day, and much more.   http://www.opsopaus.com/  

  In this episode we talk with the knowledgeable and proficient practitioner of Palo Monte, Tata Kiyumba. We speak about the real world work of a Palero in their community, and the history of the Kongo/Bantu diaspora in the new world. We also discuss the Bantu cosmogony, Nganga, witchcraft and much more.   The Special Man on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/potionspowdersandsundries/      

  In this episode we had a fascinating discussion with visionary artist Seven Bremner. We spoke about her new book and some of the underlying Hermetic and Alchemical philosophies that influence her work. We also discussed the praxis of art as a theurgic experience and expression. This and much more!   Marlene's website: https://marlenesevenbremner.com/  

  In this episode we explore the depths of the traditional craft practice paradigm with author, mystic, scholar Shani Oates; maid of the clan of Tubal Cain. https://clantubalcain.com/the-people-of-goda-the-clan-of-tubal-cain/   https://www.amazon.com/Shani-Oates/e/B00N8AOZZK%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share    

  In this episode we spoke to Kimbanda Priest and Candomble Babalorisha Diego de Oxossi of Sao Paulo Brazil. Diego educated us on the spirit cults and the deity cults of Brazil and described the differences between working with the Eshu and Orisha. We talked about the roots of Kimbanda as well as the philosophy and practice. This and much more ! Diego's website: https://www.diegodeoxossi.com.br/main   Diego on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diegodeoxossi/?hl=en  

  Rocky Geis is back for round two. In this episode we talk about working with your ancestors, proper offerings, sacrifices and best practices for interaction with spirits. We also tackle cultural appropriation, gatekeeping, the signal to noise ratio in the occulture....  and a whole lot more. Rocky's website https://www.vodousorcerer.com/ Etsy shop https://www.etsy.com/shop/vodousorcerer?ref=l2-about-shopname  

      We are once again joined by international man of mystery and polymath Mr. Nikolas Schreck. Nikolas helps us celebrate the Halloween holiday with a deep discussion on the liminality of the season and the transience of life itself. We talk about the fear of death, bardo the transition between states of being, the absolute reality of karma, and even undead zombie sorcerers.  Nikolas on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/2ov13kbPxeJttTzaN0F3jX        

      In this episode we speak to traditional witchcraft practitioner Kerry Wisner. This was a far reaching conversation which delved into the praxis of authentic witchcraft from someone who has been living this lifestyle for many years. We touched on numerous important topics such as working with the spirits of nature, the tools employed by the traditional practitioner, working with the shadow, ethics in practice and much more.....   Kerry's books https://www.troybooks.co.uk/kerry-wisner/   Kerry's website https://www.akhetservices.com/    

    In this episode we speak with Dr Jeffrey Kupperman concerning the art and practice of Theurgy. We discuss the foundation, context and application of Platonic theology as a practical means for communing and working with the gods.   Jeffrey's book https://www.avaloniabooks.com/product-page/kupperman--book-of-hours   Articles https://independent.academia.edu/JeffreyKupperman      

    In this episode we speak to the always eloquent and interesting Jack Grayle. We explored ideas surrounding the nature of the gods, and daimonic emanations as avatars and representatives of them. We also looked at divine epiphanies as a reflection of the unseen world, and the dense and syncretic praxis of antiquity.      Jack Grayle https://jackgrayle.com/   his class on the Homeric epics https://grayle-lore.teachable.com/p/godsong   his PGM class https://www.theblackthorneschool.com/courses/pgm-praxis/?fbclid=IwAR3j-T64pK31rWP_wGm4KErpAyNZifNF3Wly2CFpdkSvrSm5llnCk6HPVqk  

  T Susan Chang joins us today for a wonderful discussion on Divination. We talked about the inherent nature and practice of divination, and the tarot specifically. We touched on fate, sacrifice, and meaning. Susie also talks with us about her new book which explores the intersection of Astrology and Tarot in the journey of the Decan walk.    https://www.tsusanchang.com/      

  Sorite D'este joins us today to discuss the multifaceted Titan Hekate. Sorita educates us on the history and background of this remarkable and truly complex deity. Her traditional role, her functions, her jurisdiction  and  her associations. We also tackle some common misconceptions and wrong thinking associated with this goddess, fueled in large part by marketing and pop-culture perceptions.  Sorita: https://sorita.co.uk/ http://hekatecovenant.com/about-the-coh/our-members/coh-keybearer/ https://www.avaloniabooks.com/  

     Traditional Astrologer, author, practitioner of Lucumi, Mr Eric Purdue joins us in this episode. We talk about his new, and very anticipated translation of the monumental work of polymath Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa von Nettesheim. It was a true pleasure to have him on the show. https://www.ericpurdue.com/ https://www.innertraditions.com/books/three-books-of-occult-philosophy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWoparZ1xqg        

  In this episode we had the wonderful opportunity to speak with Dr Justin Sledge about the complex matrix of Judaisms in classical antiquity. Out of this matrix we get movements such as Gnosticism, Christianity, Samaritanism, the Essenes and the Mandeans  to name just a few. To say the Jewish impact on religious belief and spiritual practice in antiquity was significant would be a huge understatement.   Dr Sledge https://www.justinsledge.com/   https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoydhtfFSk1fZXNRnkGnneQ    

  In this episode we had the good fortune to be able to exchange ideas with two of our most popular former guests, the brilliant Gregory Shaw and Edward Butler. What better subject to talk about than the Parmenides, perhaps the most difficult of Plato's dialogs.  Of course it is no surprise that we tackled some really heavy topics, most notably, the One that is not. We also explore the interaction of polytheism and monotheism, the function and nature of the henads, as well as whatever else seemed interesting at the time. Gregory Shaw https://stonehill.academia.edu/GregoryShaw Edward Butler https://henadology.wordpress.com/ https://newschool.academia.edu/EdwardButler  

     This episode is all about praxis. Practically working the PGM from the perspective of veteran magician Pedro F. Pedro was kind enough to walk us through his syncretic approach of conjure and ceremonial magic and how it applies to his work with the Greek magical papyri.    Follow Pedro on his blog  https://pentamegistus.blogspot.com/          

  In this episode we talk to scholar, Braucher, Priest and mystic...Mr Christopher Bilardi. Chris educates us on the traditional German folk magical ways of Braucherei, also known as powwow. We discuss and examine the specific workings of this particular paradigm, and how it relates to other streams of magical thought and practice.      

    In this episode Christopher Plaisance speaks with us about his new book "Evocating the Gods; divine evocation in the Greco-Egyptian magical papyri".  We cover the fascinating progression of binding spells, erotic spells, necromantic spells and spells of divine evocation... as Chris lays out in this impressive work.  We compare and contrast the methods and concepts between Goes and  Theurgists, and contemplate the landscape of the PGM. This and much more. Chris' website: http://www.philologia.io/   Chris' book: https://www.avaloniabooks.com/product-page/evocating-the-gods-by-christopher-a-plaisance  

  Halloween 2020  We are honored to welcome back the notorious Nikolas Schreck to continue our conversation about sonic magic as well as delve deeper into the topics of karma, death, the afterlife and cultivating the proper perspective on ghosts, rebirth, and much more.    Nikolas on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/2ov13kbPxeJttTzaN0F3jX   Nikolas on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/TheNikolasSchreck   SeifenhexeBerlin https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SeifenhexeBerlin?ref=l2-about-shopname  

    In this episode we speak with Hexologist Hunter Yoder of www.huntermyoder.com  Hunter educates us on the traditional folk traditions of the early Germanic settlers to the US. We discuss the art of the Pennsylvania Dutch Hex signs, their evolution... and the magical potential inherent and available in them.   www.hexfactory.com  

  In this episode we had the absolute pleasure of talking with yogi Vijnananath about the essence and practice of Natha tantra.  Vijnana expounded on many complex and fascinating concepts and ideas relating to tantra including mantra, yantra, the dynamics of Shakti and Shiva...and much more.   Vijnana's website:   https://inpeaceprofound.com/   https://www.facebook.com/inpeaceprofound  

     In this episode we talk to Houngan Rocky Geis about the history and practice of traditional Vodou. Rocky was kind enough to speak about his own very personal journey, including the trials and tribulations which come with entering into a serious initiatic practice.   We also discussed the importance of elders and mentorship for practicing occultists, the nature of the Hatian loa/lwa spirits and the  relationship that Houngan and Mambo have with those spirits.  We also addressed mental health pitfalls and potential issues that are relevant for the practicing occultist.   This and more....   Rocky's websites : https://www.vodousorcerer.com/   https://www.etsy.com/shop/vodousorcerer   https://www.facebook.com/groups/682881609167330  

    In this episode we speak with Dr Angela Voss, scholar, artist, musician and Program Director for the MA in Myth, Cosmology and the Sacred at Canterbury Christ Church University. Our topic centered around the imaginal realm, the nature and function of the daimon, and the importance of symbol with a shifting perspective more focused on the luminous for the development of theurgic apotheosis.      Secrets of the Heavens CD Dr Angela Voss and the Marini Consort use the Orphic hymns as translated by Thomas Taylor. Between the invocations there are instrumental pieces from the 15th century, and readings by Mark Rylance from the Letters of Marsilio Ficino. http://www.godstowpress.co.uk/secrets.htm?fbclid=IwAR1fXQsJNiuVJtERPkFobzx2jNfFbAcuOKlAbd7wuynW7KLj4xdf15IGpcA  

  In this episode we talk with Sophia Amanda Mariamne Radcliffe , high priestess and Bishop in the French Gnostic church, or Eglise Gnostique . Amanda was also the occult consultant for the recently debuted HP Lovecraft film "Color out of Space" starring Nicholas Cage. Amanda speaks with us from Montségur France, the iconic stronghold and location of the massacre of the 13th century Gnostic Christians called the Cathars.  We talk about the Cathars, Amanda's spiritual journey, the controversial sacred bloodline of Mary Magdalene, the spiritual power and history of southern France, the black Madonna, and much more.   https://www.facebook.com/amanda.mariamne          

  In this episode we are joined by independent researcher Sarah Janes of http://www.themysteries.org to chat about dreams, dream incubation, lucid dreaming, Asclepius, and the ancient Asclepeion healing hospitals. All this, and of course much more.   Sarah's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLWsL0hb_IAZiLXzW4GfWjg/videos    

    Angel Millar joins us again to talk more in depth about his wonderful new book: The three Stages of Initiatic Spirituality; Craftsman, Warrior, Magician. Angel Millar is a well-known lecturer on Freemasonry, initiation, and esotericism as well as an artist and student of the martial arts. The author of several books, including Freemasonry: Foundation of the Western Esoteric Tradition, he lives in New York City. We talk about the important role memory plays in initiation and initiatic orders. Angel describes the different phases of human development, or anti-development moving from the Golden age in Eden to the current likely Kali Yuga Iron age of the present. We discuss the world view of primordial man and how aesthetics and symbolism were perceived, and how they are perceived dramatically differently for modern man. We also talk about the higher self, and what that means for the initiate, as well as the great work of preparing oneself for death. And of course Angel walks us through the three archetypes described in the book in great detail.   This and more....   Angel's book:  https://www.innertraditions.com/author/angel-millar   https://angelmillar.com/ https://thespiritualsurvival.com/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCt1KUBeGisBawNuH3ksnIRQ/    

    In this episode we are joined by Father Jason Spadafore AKA Agostino Taumaturgo. We discussed multiple fascinating topics including the inherent esoteric nature of Catholicism, magic in Christianity,  the mechanics behind the rosary and other Catholic devotional modalities, and much much more.    https://thavmapub.com/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClXMzImpZ5LdrlCU7SErJVA