“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 in “The Tarot: History, Symbolism, and Divination“. This second interview will soon be available in the upcoming Occult of Personality Member Section, so stay tuned…

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

In podcast episode 74, we’re joined by Orryelle Defenestrate-Bascule, “a prolific visual, sonic and textual artist-magickian. The instruments of his arts and magicks include, but are not limited to: Australia’s Metamorphic Ritual Theatre Co. which presents public rituals aiming to transform rather than merely entertain the audiences.” Orryelle explains how the act of creation is Magickal from an artist’s perspective.

Orryelle is responsible for the “ever-expanding digital archives and galleries of Mutation Parlour; a member of The HermAphroditic ChAOrder of the Silver Dusk, a global multicultural and multisubcultural blend of tradition and innovation, artist of “Conjunctio” (a Graphic Grimmoire), creator of the Book of Kaos Tarot, and author of A Brief HIRStory of TimEmiT. Orryelle has been extensively involved in the Horus-Maat Lodge, channeling several double-current Libers such as ‘Pennae-Ultim-Atum‘ and ‘The Book of Going Back by Night‘.”

Our conversation touches on the recently published graphic grimiore “Conjunctio” and presentation at the Esoteric Book Conference, the importance of working in the physical plane, aesthetics, art, beauty and transformation, including body modification. Orryelle also discusses the art of ritual performance, world wide travels to sacred sites, and even some thoughts about 2012.

Orryelle is extremely creative in many mediums, including poetry, art, music, theater, Magick, Alchemy, and self-transformation. Our conversation provides a bit of insight into Orryelle’s unique Work.

relevant links:

Mutation Parlour

“Conjunctio” by Orryelle Defenestrate-Bascule, available via Fulger Ltd.

Esoteric Book Conference – performances (also discussed in episode 69 with William Keisel of Ouroboros Press)

Orryelle Defenestrate-Bascule

Mutation EnCyclopsedia (tattoos and other body arts)

Metamorphic Ritual Theatre

Global Chakra Workings

Orryelle Defenestrate-Bascule’s publications (including Book of Kaos Tarot), EsoErotic artwork, and music

intro music by HipGnosis and Darkfold

outro music by Orryelle Defenstrate-Bascule – “Kalikaye”

Upcoming class: 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: 2012, aesthetics, Alchemy, Art, body modification, esoteric, Magick, music, occult, performance, philosophy, poetry, psychology, ritual, tattoo, theater, transformation

In podcast episode 73, we’re joined by Memia Ayat. Memie is a healer, Wiccan, hypnotherapist, and belly dance teacher. She joins us to discuss her diverse interests and how they all fit together.

In the photo above, Memie (left) is surrounded by a strange mist…

Memie begins the interview by describing the path that led her to Wicca and alternative healing modalities. Memie discusses what it is like to be a Witch in the Salem, Massachusetts community.

A highly regarded belly dance teacher, Memie talks about her interest in belly dance, its history, and the sacred symbols created by the movements of the dancer. We then talk about hypnosis, the process and benefits, as well as past life regression. She discusses her work using color therapy and laughter therapy, describing the unique benefits of these alternative healing methods. Lastly, we talk about how her interests fit together in her life and work.

relevant links:

SolitudeHMS.com – Memie’s web site

Belly Dance

Podcast 65 – Aepril Schaile

intro music by HipGnosis and Darkfold

outro music by Aepril Schaile and Last Judgement – excerpt of “A Gathering of Shades”

Upcoming class: 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: belly dance, consciousness, esoteric, healing, history, hypnosis, mysticism, occult, past lives, philosophy, psychology, religion, Salem, spirituality, Wicca, witchcraft

In podcast episode 72, Christopher Knowles returns to the show for the second part of our fascinating interview (if you haven’t already, please listen to part 1 – Christopher Knowles and The Secret Sun, pt. 1).

Chris is the author of the Eagle Award-winning “Our Gods Wear Spandex: The Secret History of Comic Book Heroes,” published by Red Wheel/Weiser and co-author of “The Complete X-Files: Behind the Series, the Myths, and the Movies,” published by Insight Editions. This time, Chris joins us for a very in-depth discussion about the themes explored in his blog, “The Secret Sun”.

We begin with some thoughts about space travel and then delve into the concept of secrecy and its role throughout history. Chris expresses the view that modern technology and society are evolving with greater openness and availability of information. He also discusses the possibilities of learning about ourselves from the history of humanity through the ages.

Next, we explore the concept of ancient astronaut theory as well as its synchronistic manifestations in popular culture and media. Of course, these ideas are all attempts to provide a narrative for the origins of humanity. We discuss the interpretive methods used when analyzing ancient texts, from literal to esoteric exegesis.

Chris continues to stress the importance of questions instead of answers and that fiction, especially science fiction, is one of the best methods to use for exploring the possibilities of our imagination and the Universe. Don’t miss this second part of the conversation with the amazing Christopher Knowles. His research and inquisitive perspective highlight some of the great mysteries that continue to occupy humanity in our quest to discover who and what we truly are.

relevant links:

Christopher Knowles and The Secret Sun, pt. 1

The Secret Sun

The Solar Satellite

The Solar Seminar

“Our Gods Wear Spandex: The Secret History of Comic Book Heroes” by Christopher Knowles

“The Complete X-Files: Behind the Series, the Myths, and the Movies” by Chris Knowles and Matt Hurwitz

intro music by HipGnosis and Darkfold

outro music by Aarni – “Anima”

Technorati Tags: alternative history, ancient astronaut theory, consciousness, conspiracy, entheogens, esoteric, esoteric orders, Freemasonry, Freud, Gnostic, history, Jung, media, Mystery schools, mysticism, mythology, occult, philosophy, pop culture, psychedelics, psychism, psychology, religion, science fiction, secret societies, shamanism, space travel, spirituality, Sun, symbolism, synchromysticism, synchronicity, UFOs

In podcast episode 71, our good friend Mitch Horowitz returns for the second part of our conversation about his excellent new book, “Occult America: The Secret History of How Mysticism Shaped Our Nation” published by Bantam (if you haven’t already, please listen to the first part of the interview – Mitch Horowitz and “Occult America” pt.1). Mitch is the editor-in-chief of Tarcher / Peguin in New York and has also been our guest previously in podcast 21, Podcast 42 – The Life and Work of Paul Foster Case, and Podcast 48 – The Life and Work of Col. Henry Steel Olcott.

Mitch begins this interview by recounting the story of Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism. Smith was raised in the Burned-over district in upstate New York and he and his family were steeped in supernatural ideas and practices, including astrology and magic. Knowledge of the occult and folklore traditions of the Burned-over District are integral to understanding Smith and his family. For example, as a young man, Smith earned money using “seer stones” to find buried treasure.

Mitch explains how the background knowledge about Joseph Smith may allow us to understand his later experiences that led to the founding of his church in a different way. Smith was also a Freemason and Masonic philosophy, rites, and symbols influenced his religious practices.

Next, Mitch reviews the origins and continued popularity of the Ouija Board. Although it is marketed as a toy or game, there are many examples of paranormal activity associated with its use.

Last, Mitch delves into the story of Edgar Cayce. An extremely popular medium, Cayce is notable for the tremendous number of accurate predictions and readings that he gave while in a trance state. Mitch also highlights the high moral character of Cayce and its importance in the growth of New Age ideas and philosophies.

Again, I highly recommend “Occult America: The Secret History of How Mysticism Shaped Our Nation” by Mitch Horowitz. It is a well-researched, well-written and a crucial record of the hidden history of the United States.

relevant links:

Mitch Horowitz

“Occult America: The Secret History of How Mysticism Shaped Our Nation” by Mitch Horowitz

Mitch Horowitz and “Occult America” pt.1

Podcast 42 – The Life and Work of Paul Foster Case

Podcast 48 – The Life and Work of Col. Henry Steel Olcott

“Burned-over District” Wikipedia entry

“Joseph Smith, Jr.” Wikipedia entry

“The Magus” by Francis Barrett

“Three Books of Occult Philosophy” by Henry Cornelius Agrippa of Nettesheim

“Book of Mormon” Wikipedia entry

“Mormonism” Wikipedia entry

“Latter Day Saint movement” Wikipedia entry

“William Morgan (anti-Mason)” Wikipedia entry

“Joseph Smith Birthplace Memorial” Wikipedia entry

“Ouija” Wikipedia entry

“The Changing Light at Sandover” Wikipedia entry

“Edgar Cayce” Wikipedia entry

Association for Research and Enlightenment

intro music by HipGnosis

background music by Darkfold – “Nomads”

outro music by William Zeitler – “The Fixed Stars, the Frontier to the Beyond”

Technorati Tags: alternative history, astrology, consciousness, esoteric, Freemasonry, history, Magic, meditation, mediumship, metaphysics, Mormon, mysticism, New Age, occult, ouija, philosophy, politics, psychism, psychology, religion, self-help, sociology, spiritualism, spirituality, supernatural, symbolism

In podcast episode 70, our good friend Mitch Horowitz joins us again to discuss his excellent new book, “Occult America: The Secret History of How Mysticism Shaped Our Nation” published by Bantam Books. Mitch is the editor-in-chief of Tarcher / Peguin in New York and has been our guest previously in podcast 21, Podcast 42 – The Life and Work of Paul Foster Case, and Podcast 48 – The Life and Work of Col. Henry Steel Olcott.

Mitch begins our conversation by describing his observations of the esoteric history of the United States of America. American occultists evangelized esoteric ideas and planted the seeds for alternative New Age spirituality and self-help concepts, like positive thinking, that have spread around the world today. The intertwining of this occult history and the social development of the country is very often overlooked, glossed-over, or written out of mainstream history. Then Mitch tells us the intriguing story of the Publick Universal Friend, a spirit channeler that was the first public female religious figure in the country.

Next, Mitch talks about the speculation about America’s role as a laboratory for religious exploration. He describes the integral role that Freemasonry and its philosophy played in the formation of the United States of America and its influence towards greater religious tolerance and liberalism cannot be overstated. He discusses the origins of the Craft and the real requirement for secrecy in the past and employment of ancient symbolism.

Mitch tells us about the Hoodoo experience of abolitionist, editor, orator, author, statesman and reformer, Frederick Douglass, at a crucial moment in his life. He talks about writer and spiritual teacher Ernest Holmes and his philosophies of mind power and positive thinking.

Then Mitch discusses Henry A. Wallace, a progressive public servant who served as President Franklin Roosevelt’s secretary of agriculture and the 33rd vice-president. Wallace was an avid esoteric student and is responsible for suggesting the placement of the reverse of The Great Seal of the United States on the one dollar note. The controversy surrounding the public disclosure of Wallace’s letters to mystic Nicholas Roerich was the undoing of his public career.

Finally, we talk about the modern acceptance of the ideas of people, schools, and movements that are considered New Age. Mitch lists these as:

“1. Belief in the therapeutic value of spiritual or religious ideas.
2. Belief in a mind-body connection in health.
3. Belief that human consciousness is evolving to higher stages.
4. Belief that thoughts, in some greater or lesser measure, determine reality.
5. Belief that spiritual understanding is available without allegiance to a specific religion or doctrine.”

I highly recommend “Occult America: The Secret History of How Mysticism Shaped Our Nation” by Mitch Horowitz. It is a comprehensive, well-researched, and masterful history that is an instant classic!

Stay tuned for the second part of our interview…

relevant links:

Mitch Horowitz

“Occult America: The Secret History of How Mysticism Shaped Our Nation” by Mitch Horowitz

Mitch Horowitz and “Occult America” pt.2

Podcast 42 – The Life and Work of Paul Foster Case

Podcast 48 – The Life and Work of Col. Henry Steel Olcott

“Jemima Wilkinson” Wikipedia entry (Publick Universal Friend)

“Burned-over District” Wikipedia entry

“Mediumship” Wikipedia entry

“Frederick Douglass” Wikipedia entry

“Hoodoo (folk magic)” Wikipedia entry

“Ernest Holmes” Wikipedia entry

“The Science of Mind” by Ernest Holmes

“365 Science of Mind: A Year of Daily Wisdom” by Ernest Holmes

“Love and Law” by Ernest Holmes

“Prayer: How to Pray Effectively from the Science of Mind” by Ernest Holmes

“Henry A. Wallace” Wikipedia entry

“Great Seal of the United States: 1935 dollar bill” Wikipedia entry

intro music by HipGnosis

background music by Darkfold – “Nomads”

outro music by William Zeitler – “The Fixed Stars, the Frontier to the Beyond“

Technorati Tags: alternative history, consciousness, esoteric, Freemasonry, history, Hoodoo, meditation, mediumship, metaphysics, mysticism, New Age, occult, philosophy, politics, psychology, religion, self-help, sociology, spirituality, symbolism

Coming Soon!

As mentioned last week, I’m pleased to announce that in addition to the regular free podcasts, Occult of Personality will soon offer extra recordings as part of a new members subscription section. In these additional interviews and conversations, featured guests will provide expertise in specific areas of esoteric study.

In addition to receiving extra audio recordings for most upcoming guests on the show, listeners will also have an option to sign up for Rising Phoenix Foundation’s “The Inner Fire Journal” by David Goddard (our guest in episodes 54 and 62). “The Inner Fire Journal” is dedicated to the practice of true Alchemy and the Hermetic Arts and is published each month. “The Inner Fire Journal” features high grade Western Mystery teachings, guided meditations, audio, video, and more.

Look for more details about how you can sign up for the Occult of Personality membership subscription later this month. There will be another update in the next podcast episode.
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One scheduling note: Part 2 of the interview with Christopher Knowles is not yet available, but will be posted soon.

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In podcast episode 69, we’re joined by William J. Kiesel, the publisher and editor of Ouroboros Press. “His long years in the antiquarian and esoteric book trade gave him access to rare books and manuscripts not generally available to the public. William has cultivated a lifelong care of books and has involved himself in every aspect of bookmaking, from bookbinding and typography to handset letterpress.” William has also organized the Esoteric Book Conference.

We begin the interview with William describing how his interest in books and publishing developed. He talks about how he began collecting esoteric books at an early age and was inspired by a number of well-known esoteric authors and publishers. He highlights the tremendous amount of research and background work that goes into publishing antiquarian esoteric texts.

William describes how learning about aspects of publishing, such as bookbinding, paper selection, typesetting, and familiarity with various translations was crucial to his desire to publish new imprints of ancient esoteric books. We discuss some of the remarkable books that Ouroboros Press has released and some of his upcoming projects. We also talk about the Renaissance as a fruitful time for all knowledge, but especially in terms of esoteric books.

William talks about his interest in Alchemical symbolism, Hermetics, artwork, and the Western Esoteric Tradition. We touch on the current state and future of books, the tradition of book arts, and the concept of a book as a talisman. We finish off our conversation by discussing the Esoteric Book Conference, scheduled for September 19th and 20th in Seattle, Washington, USA. William has organized this wonderful event to bring together publishers and readers of esoteric books.

relevant links:

Ouroboros Press

The Serpent Bites Its Tail

Esoteric Book Conference

“About the Publisher”

“Picatrix, Vol. 2: The Goal of the Wise” by Ghayat al-Hakim

“Heptameron” and “Arbatel of Magick”

“Turba Philosophorum” tr. by A. E. Waite

“Tabula Smaragdina Hermetis” – The Emerald Tablet of Hermes Trismegistus

intro music by HipGnosis and Darkfold

outro music by Agrippa93 – “LVX”

Technorati Tags: Alchemy, Art, books, esoteric, Hermetics, history, Magick, mysticism, occult, philosophy, publishing, religion, spirituality, symbolism