Teacher, spiritual guide, theurgist, alchemist, mage, and author David Goddard joins us in this episode to discuss some of his Work. David is one of the founders of Rising Phoenix Foundation, a school dedicated to “transmitting western esoteric wisdom.” He has also written several excellent texts, including, “The Sacred Magic of the Angels.”

Our conversation begins as David describes the reason why these teachings, only taught to high initiates in the past, are now available openly due to the perilous times in which we live. He reviews the origins of Angelic magic in ancient Egypt and Babylon. Part of the same tradition as the Book of Enoch, this system has been passed down from antiquity. We then discuss the Great Work of Alchemy rather extensively, a subject brilliantly exposed in theory and practice in David’s book, “The Tower of Alchemy: An Advanced Guide to the Great Work.”

David reviews the true meaning of the Royal Art of Alchemy, the relationship of Alchemy and Qabalah, and the meaning of the Emerald Tablet. Then we discuss the relationship between eastern and western religion and esoterica and the concept of a world spiritual tradition. Finally, we talk about the Work of Rising Phoenix Foundation. Be sure to check out the many teachings, classes, and workshops available for students.

“I sustain creation
In the midst of a perpetual ebb and flow.
Therefore do I assume the appearance of a refiner’s fire,
Forever purging out the dross of forms outworn.
This is mine aspect of Severity,
And of this it is written,
“Tetragrammaton Elohim is a devouring fire.”

Thus am I as one who testeth gold in a furnace,
And this aspect of my being
Presenteth to the unrighteous
A face of wrath.

Yet by the purgation of fire
Do I uphold and sustain thee
In every moment of thy life.

For when thou hast been tried as by fire,
The gold of thy Beauty shall be purged of all dross
… and … shalt thou behold
The Shining One
Who is thine own true Self.”

- excerpted from “The Meditation on Samekh” in “The Book of Tokens”

relevant links:

Rising Phoenix Foundation

free audio and text files available as a thank you from David to listeners

Rising Phoenix Foundation podcast

“The Sacred Magic of the Angels” by David Goddard

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

“The Dragon-Treasure of Hermes” by David Goddard

“Tree of Sapphires: Enlightened Qabalah” by David Goddard

“Celestial Magic” by David Goddard

“The Book of Enoch” tr. by R.H. Charles

“Metatron: Angel Prince, Enoch Transformed” and “Metatron: Anomalous Angel of the Countenance” by Geoffrey Dennis

“Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite” Wikipedia entry

“Saint Denis” Wikipedia entry

“Qabalah” by David Goddard

“Alchemy” by David Goddard

“Emerald Tablet of Hermes”

intro music by HipGnosis

outro music by Dead Can Dance, excerpt of “The Host of Seraphim”

Technorati Tags: occult, Angels, Theurgy, Alchemy, Hermetics, Qabalah, history, spirituality, mysticism, religion, philosophy, ancient civilizations, consciousness, psychology, symbolism

 

 Podcast 54 - David Goddard [63:15m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Carroll “Poke” Runyon is the Archimage of Ordo Templi Astartes, the longest running, continuously operating magical lodge in the U.S.A. He and his order have published a remarkable series of books and videos detailing their Workings in Solomonic Magick, scrying, and seasonal rites.

Our conversation begins as Poke describes his early life and how he became interested in esoteric ideas and practices, primarily for health reasons. We discuss the various aspects and practices that encourage personal unfoldment, including certain yogic disciplines, universal archetypes and symbolism, and relating scientific concepts to more ancient Hermetic ideas. Poke then gets into discussing using self-hypnosis as part of the scrying process and how he discovered this important ingredient. From there we get into talking about Phoenician Canaanite religion and mythology as well as the seasonal rites that celebrate them.

Phoenician Canaanite religion is directly related to the concept of the Temple of Solomon and builder Chiram Abiff. Next, we discuss the the Lost Word of Freemasonry. Poke explains how the legend relates the concept that, “Only the Kings still understand that the Lost Word is Light within us all.” Poke tells us how, historically, Freemasonry has always provided a common ground for men of different faiths and creeds to come together as equals. He also discusses the more modern transformations that have occurred, specifically with regard to the 28th degree of the Scottish Rite - The Knight of the Sun or Prince Adept.

Then we talk about Poke’s film, “Beyond Lemuria: The Shaver Mystery and the Secret of Mt. Shasta.” He describes the way he was fascinated by Richard Shaver and had his own experience on Mt. Shasta. The film features Lon DuQuette, Paul Clark and Merrick Hamer, as well as a story that employs mystery, myth, magick, and spirituality to take the viewer on a journey.

As Poke explains at the conclusion to our conversation, we need to “know what our obligation to the Light is … No matter what you believe or what you revere, it is your way to the Light. The same Light is within everybody and the only place you’ll find it is inside yourself.”

relevant links:

“The Book of Solomon’s Magick” by Carroll “Poke” Runyon

“The Magick of Solomon” DVD, 2nd ed.

“Dark Mirror of Magick” DVD, 2nd ed.

“Rites of Magick” DVD

“Secrets of the Golden Dawn Cypher Manuscript” by Carroll “Poke” Runyon

“Mysteries of Mt. Shasta: Home of the Underground Dwellers and Ancient Gods” featuring Poke Runyon

“Beyond Lemuria” DVD (featuring Paul Clark and Lon Milo DuQuette)

“Carl Jung” Wikipedia entry

“Supernatural: Meetings With the Ancient Teachers of Mankind” by Graham Hancock

“Raja Yoga” Wikipedia entry

“Tantra” Wikipedia entry

“Remote Viewing: The Complete User’s Manual for Coordinate Remote Viewing” by David Morehouse

“The Hebrew Goddess” by Raphael Patai

“Phoenician Canaanite Religion”

“Knight of the Sun or Prince Adept”

“The Lost Word” from Mackey’s “The Symbolism of Freemasonry”

“Richard Sharpe Shaver” Wikipedia entry

intro music by HipGnosis

“The Emerald Tablet of Hermes” read by Poke Runyon

outro music by Santana, excerpt of “Yours Is The Light”

Technorati Tags: occult, Magick, spirituality, mysticism, religion, history, mythology, psychology, consciousness, philosophy, Freemasonry, Hermetics, ancient civilizations

 

 Podcast 53 - Poke Runyon [55:07m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Our good friend Lon Milo DuQuette returns to the show in Podcast 52 to discuss his latest book, “Enochian Vision Magick - An Introduction and Practical Guide to the Magick of Dr. John Dee and Edward Kelley.”

We begin the conversation with an extensive review of Dr. John Dee from a historical perspective including his mathematical skills, astrology, extensive interest in esoteric theory and practices, and his work as a spy.

Dr. John Dee was a true genius and used the accepted technology of the ages to achieve his goals.

Lon then describes Dr. Dee’s meeting medium Edward Kelley. Their subsequent workings form the basis for DuQuette’s book “Enochian Vision Magick.” Lon then helps us understand the extensive attunement process, including the Hyptarchia Mystica and Liber Loagaeth and the Angelic alphabet.

This attunement process resulted finally in the reception of the Enochian system. Lon’s description of the process, in both the book and this recording, make it clear how crucial the entire work was in making the final product so effective.

Lon DuQuette’s “Enochian Vision Magick” is the best book that I have encountered on this subject. I highly recommend it to all those interested in learning more about this amazing system of Angelic magick. The descriptions of the historical process as well as the practical guide for the reader exceeds all expectations.

relevant links:

Lon Milo DuQuette (previously appeared in Podcast 44)

“Enochian Vision Magick - An Introduction to the Magick of Dr. John Dee and Edward Kelley” by Lon Milo DuQuette

“John Dee” Wikipedia entry

“Edward Kelley” Wikipedia entry

The John Dee Publication Project

The John Dee Society

“The Great Work: Initiation into the Mysteries” DVD series, featuring Lon Milo DuQuette

Lon’s online Tarot course, “Understanding Aleister Crowley’s Thoth Tarot” from Maybe Logic Academy is available from 20 October through 14 December (enrollment is still open)

“The Book of Enoch” tr. by R.H. Charles

“True and Faithful Relation of What Passed for Many Years Between Dr. John Dee and Some Spirits” by Méric Casaubon (PDF download available from The Magickal Review)

intro music by HipGnosis

outro music by Lon Milo DuQuette - “I Am He” from “White Album”

Technorati Tags: occult, Magick, Angels, psychology, consciousness, philosophy, history, religion, spirituality, mysticism

 

 Podcast 52 - Lon Milo DuQuette's "Enochian Vision Magick" [91:57m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

After a much needed hiatus, we return in espisode 51 with Daniel Tatman and The Bath Mystery’s. I want to take a moment to thank all the listeners for your continued support and patience while awaiting a new episode, especially all those who emailed to inquire and make sure things were alright. In the next few weeks, we’ll have more new episodes featuring Lon Milo Duquette discussing his amazing book, “Enochian Vision Magick,” and a rare interview with Poke Runyon.

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Daniel Tatman has done some very interesting scholarly research on the history and architecture of Bath, Somerset, UK. We begin our conversation by talking about Dan’s family history and connections to the City of Bath. One area of particular interest is his grandfather’s work in Africa and its implications.

Dan describes the eventful history of the City of Bath, beginning with King Bladud and his pigs stumbling upon the healing waters of the springs. From that point, we discuss the various groups that lived in the area, including Celts and Romans and the cultural fusion that resulted, encompassing philosophy, religion, and commerce. We also talk about the way that the underground streams, veins of metals, and ley lines all converge in Bath.

The historic personages in the story of Bath and its architecture include Alfred the Great, John Wood (the Elder), and George Withers. We review how these men shaped the city and the unique architecture and symbolism they employed.

We discuss George Withers’ verses accompanying the alchemical engravings of Chrispin van Passe, published as “A Collection of Emblemes, Ancient and Moderne” and the influences of this philosophy on architecture.

Daniel does an excellent job of researching and explaining the subjects of history, architecture, and symbolism in the City of Bath. His own personal connections and family history clearly add to his unique perspective. The upcoming book is sure to be a worthwhile addition to your collection and you can pre-order it by contacting Daniel by email.

relevant links:

The Bath Mystery’s - Daniel Tatman’s web site

Dan’s photos

Daniel Tatman - The Bath Mystery’s: Alchemical Architecture

“Bath, Somerset” Wikipedia entry

“Order of the Bath” Wikipedia entry

“Alfred the Great” Wikipedia entry

“John Wood, the Elder” Wikipedia entry

“The John Wood Exhibition” - The Building of Bath Museum

“Palladian architecture” Wikipedia entry

“George Wither” Wikipedia entry

“Devil Worship in France” by A.E. Waite, SacredTexts.com (an exposition on the Leo Taxil hoax)

intro music by HipGnosis

outro music by Dead Can Dance, excerpt of “Summoning the Muse”

Technorati Tags: occult, history, symbolism, architecture, philosophy

 

 Podcast 51 - Daniel Tatman and The Bath Mystery's [78:45m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

It is with great sadness that I regret to have to inform you of the passing of our good friend Kent Daniel Bentkowski a.k.a. Kentroversy. Kent was an exceptional researcher, writer, and investigator of the para-political as well as the spiritual and magical. His web sites The Kentroversy Papers and The Kentroversy Tapes made his work familiar to many. He was a guest on this show numerous times and I also appeared on his podcast. We spoke to each other regularly and I always enjoyed spending that time with him.

Kent passed on Wednesday 30 July 2008. He is survived by his wife, young son, and sister. Kent was a good friend and accepting his passing is difficult. As many of you may have been aware, Kent was suffering recently from a number of health problems. Ultimately, he fought a lot harder and was much more courageous in the face of his condition than should be expected of anyone. Much of the time he was in pain and uncomfortable, yet he still was pleasant and able to deliver a tremendous volume of written and recorded material in a short time span. He was in the middle of working on a book about symbolism in media that was sure to have been fascinating. Kent truly was in the prime of his career. Unfortunately, we only have his legacy now, but that is no small thing. We can read his many research articles or listen to his podcasts and learn what it was that he stood for: truth, liberty, love for the people of America and the ideals of the American Revolution, exposing corruption in its many guises, and that there is more to life than just what we experience with our five senses. Kent was strong-willed, loyal, intelligent, and filled with integrity. He was opinionated and not afraid to let anyone know it.

Some of my favorite moments with Kent include “Podcast 22 - A Path to Magick” in which Kent discusses his spiritual and magical path, the “Ascended Masters Discussion” and the recent “Authentic Tradition” episode on Kent’s show. He also appears in “Podcast 3 - The Kentroversy Papers“, “Podcast 11 - Kentroversy on Talismans and Mass Media Black Magic, pt. 1“, “Podcast 15 - Kentroversy on Talismans and Mass Media Black Magic, pt. 2“, “Podcast 27 - H.P. Lovecraft Roundtable Discussion“, and “Podcast 38 - A Conversation on Ancient Egypt“.

Unbeknownst to me, in what was to be our last conversation, on Monday 28 July, Kent’s final words to me were, “Love is the Law.”

Kent, you are missed, brother, and as you said many times, “I’ll catch you on the other side.” Farewell.

See also the Red Ice Creations article on Kent’s passing that features a short audio clip of Henrik and I talking about Kentroversy and includes links to all of Kent’s recorded interviews on Red Ice Radio. There is also a forum page set up for you to share your thoughts and feelings with each other and for Kent’s son (when he is a little older).

Technorati Tags: Kentroversy, memorial

First, on this the occasion of the 50th episode, I want to express my thanks to all who have listened to Occult of Personality podcasts as well as all the writers and researchers who have graciously spent some of their time with us. It is my humble wish that you may have learned as much by listening to these podcasts as I have by helping to create them.

——————————————————————————————————

In this 50th episode, we’re joined by Masonic scholar, researcher, and writer Angel Millar. He has an extensive historical knowledge of The Craft and associated fraternal orders and societies. We begin our conversation with the subject of the origins of Freemasonry and the seemingly diverse streams that may have fed it, specifically ancient Mysteries, stone masons, neo-Templarism, Enlightenment philosophies, and Christianity.

The discussion delves into Rosicrucianism, particularly the Golden Rosicrucians that formed the basis for later Masonic Rosicrucian societies, such as Societas Rosicruciana in Anglia. This material is fascinating for those that enjoy the mystery of the origin of Freemasonry and Rosicrucianism. Millar does a fantastic job of explaining his perspective based on scholarly research displayed in both his first book, “Freemasonry: A History” and upcoming book, “The Forest of Symbols: Freemasonry and the Western Esoteric Tradition” soon to be released by Ouroboros Press.

We also cover topics like Sacred Geometry, the concept of clandestine or irregular Masonry, the Rite of Strict Templar Observance, the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, and Aleister Crowley’s Masonic adventures.

relevant links:

Angel Millar

“Freemasonry: A History” by Angel Millar

“A Gentleman and a Scholar”

“The True and Invisible Rosicrucian Order” by Paul Foster Case

“Esoteric Keys of Alchemy” by Paul Foster Case

“Morals and Dogma” by Albert Pike, SacredTexts.com

“Devil Worship in France” by A.E. Waite, SacredTexts.com (an exposition on the Leo Taxil hoax)

“Pythagorean theorem: Euclid’s proof“, Wikipedia entry

“The Rite of Strict Observance”

intro music by “HipGnosis”

outro music by The Wailers, excerpt of “Cornerstone”

Technorati Tags: occult, history, Freemasonry, Rosicrucianism, Alchemy, Sacred Geometry, symbolism, Philosophy, religion, spirituality, mysticism

 

 Podcast 50 - Freemasonry and the Western Esoteric Tradition [69:44m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Writer and reporter Louis Sahagun joins us to discuss his amazing new book, “Master of the Mysteries: The Life of Manly Palmer Hall” published by Process Media. Louis’ book is an incredibly well-researched and revealing a biography of Manly Hall that contains so many previously unknown facts and stories that it is simply astonishing. This book is a must read for anyone that considers themselves a student of Hall and his work, or is simply interested in how a man came from almost nothing and made himself into one of the greatest teachers of his generation.

Our conversation begins by discussing how Louis came to know Hall and his work and describes his approach to writing the book as a history of Hall and the city of Los Angeles growing up together. Next, we talk about Manly Hall’s early life and how he began his career as a teacher and seer. In the early years, Hall was identified with Rosicrucianism, as were some of his contemporaries, including Max Heindel’s widow, Augusta, and H. Spencer Lewis. We get into Hall’s history as a Freemason and how this affected the subject matter of his writings and lectures. We trace the progression from writings on Magic, Tarot, Alchemy, and Freemasonry to his later works on mysticism, meditation, Eastern philosophy, and comparative religion. We also discuss the later years and Hall’s very mysterious death at the hands of the man who was supposed to be his friend and aide. Hall’s accomplishments are legion, including the hundreds of books he wrote and published, the thousands of lectures he delivered, and the Philosophical Research Society that still stands as a living monument to the Wisdom of the Ages compiled by Hall during his lifetime.

I encourage you to obtain and read a copy of Louis Sahagun’s “Master of the Mysteries” (also available from Amazon). It reveals the real man behind the mysteries, telling all the details of Hall’s life that, apparently, not even very close friends knew. The result is a portrait of a genius who was driven to achieve great things, as well as a human being. By doing this, Louis Sahagun brings us much closer to the man and his works - a truly great accomplishment.

“The 21st century has an extreme reminiscence to the 21st year of a person’s life. It is a year of coming of age … when a person becomes an adult… Mankind has not the right to take a beautiful world with all its privileges and opportunities and turn it into a purgatory. This situation should remind Freemasons that they have something to live for. We have the power to build worlds, the wisdom to govern them, and the divine right to inherit the earth and preserve it in good condition in order to pass it on to our descendents as a place of happiness, usefulness and security for thousands of years to come. We’re not asking for treason. We’re not asking for disobedience. We’re only asking … that in every way possible, when they have the choice, stand for truth and, if necessary, take a little punishment for it.”
- Manly Palmer Hall, 33°, 26 May 1990, Scottish Rite Temple, Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, California (pp. 1-2 of Sahagun’s “Master of the Mysteries”)

relevant links:

“Master of the Mysteries: The Life of Manly Palmer Hall” by Louis Sahagun (also available from Amazon.com)

“The Great Work of Manly Hall”

“The Mysterious Career of Manly P. Hall” by Mitch Horowitz in episode 6 of Sub Rosa magazine

“Podcast 21 - Mitch Horowitz” - Mitch and I spend the last portion of the show discussing Manly Hall

The Manly P. Hall Archive

Philosophical Research Society

University of Philosophical Research

“The Secret Teachings of All Ages” by Manly P. Hall

“Lectures on Ancient Philosophy” by Manly P. Hall

“The Secret Destiny of America” by Manly P. Hall

“The Lost Keys of Freemasonry (Also Includes: Freemasonry of the Ancient Egyptians / Masonic Orders of Fraternity)” by Manly P. Hall

“Road to Inner Light” by Manly P. Hall

intro music by HipGnosis

outro music by The Doors, excerpt of “Riders On the Storm”

Technorati Tags: occult, philosophy, spirituality, mysticism, religion, consciousness, psychology, history, esoteric orders, Freemasonry

 

 Podcast 49 - Louis Sahagun and "The Master of the Mysteries" [74:59m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download