Thelema Now! Crowley, Ritual & Magick

In this Thelema NOW episode, Harper interviews Jack Grayle, well-known author of the Hekataeon, on the occasion of the release of his new book, Sigrun and the Mist. This book houses the script for a play, written in iambic pentameter, exploring what it is to be truly human through the lens of Norse mythology. When then gods stir our lives, we evolve, or a part of us dies. Jack has assembled a veritable cornucopia of talent to support this project, including historians, witches, artists, models, and photographers. This book is not to be missed! To purchase book: Sigrun & the Mist by Jack Grayle (Limited Edition) - Miskatonic Books Jack's other title, Hekataeon, can be viewed here.   

Sef Salem is an occultist and sorcerer with over twenty years’ experience of personal and group magical practice. Initially trained as a Gnostic Mystic, he joined Ordo Templi Orientis in 2010 and founded the international group Gentlemen 4 Jupiter shortly afterwards. He organised the Occult Conference in Glastonbury between 2014 and 2018, and continues to serve on its organising committee.    During this time he developed the Star Club Framework, which has been taught in Bristol since 2019 in a private magical group, offering open rituals to local practitioners. Sef is a director of The Visible College C.I.C., a platform dedicated to helping others improve themselves through learning and development, and is facilitating the International Thelemic Symposium in Oxford on September 21st with Mogg Morgan of Mandrake Books.

Thelema Now's Harper Feist speaks with Frater U∴D∴! Frater U∴D∴ is the co-founder of both the Bonn Workshop for Experimental Magic and the Magical Pact of the Illuminati of Thanateros (IOT). He is one of Europe's most renowned practical magicians and contemporary occult authors. Frater U∴D∴ has studied with yoga and tantra masters and has been involved with the practical aspects of occultism in general and magic in particular for more than half a century. He talks today about an essay soon to be released in The Fenris Wolf, "Johanna Wagner – Clanning Up Western Magic," particularly about a technique brought forward by Wagner from Africa, the activation of the clan animal. Check out more of Frater UD's work at LLewellyn!   

Frater Acher and Harper talk in this episode about the use of knives in his ritual work, documented in his new book entitled “Trutmezzer: A Blade of Two Ways,” published by Three Hands Press. The interview digs into his personal use of the blades in his shamanistic spirit workings, as well the research done to relate the practice to historical traditions present in his native southern Germany.   Hardback versions of Trutmezzer are available now: https://threehandspress.com/shop/trutmezzer/   A softcover version of the book will be available soon, and Acher’s newest book on the Olympic Spirits will be available later this year.   Acher’s ideas are also available on his website: https://theomagica.com/   Enjoy!!

Thelema Now host Harper Feist talks with one of Thelema Now's favorite guests, author and psychologist Dr. David Shoemaker. David discusses his new book, The Way of the Will, and how he came to Thelema, what you do after making contact with your HGA, and is it really all in your head?  Hmmmmmm...... Listen now and see what you think!!   Listen to David's postcast Living Thelema here.  And check out his groovy Spotify playlist! 

Thelema Now host Harper Feist, delves into the esoteric realms of tarot with authors Peter Mark Adams and Christophe Poncet. In this captivating episode, they explore the intriguing narratives behind two distinct tarot decks: the enigmatic Sola-Busca tarocchi and the beloved Tarot de Marseille. Join us as the authors share their personal journeys of discovery, offering insights into the mystical symbolism and historical significance embedded within these decks. The conversation traverses the rich tapestry of tarot tradition. So, sit back, relax, and prepare to embark on a journey of discovery into the fascinating world of tarot with our esteemed guests. To find out more about their book, click here! 

In this episode of ThelemaNOW, Harper talks with one of the most effective educators in the current occultosphere, Dr. Justin Sledge. Dr. Sledge earned his undergraduate degree at Millsaps College then went for a DRS in religious studies (Western Esotericism and Related Currents) at the Universiteit van Amsterdam and a MA and PhD in philosophy at the University of Memphis. He is currently a part-time professor of philosophy and religion at several institutions in the Metro-Detroit area and a popular local educator. One half of Dr. Sledge’s work engages with Religious Studies specifically in the so-called “Western Esoteric Tradition” or Hermetic Tradition in religious and philosophical thought.  In this line of research he seeks to grasps the philosophical commitments which underpin the alleged workings of magic, esoteric influence, spirit possession, alchemy, etc.  This field of inquiry brings him primarily into contact with philosophers and intellectuals regrettably disregarded by the modern philosophic cano

This episode of Thelema, NOW! represents our first foray into the incredible world of Welsh magic. Andrew Phillip Smith gives Harper a lesson in language and history as they relate to magic in and near his home in Wales. The interview ends with a special treat in which Andrew gives license to depart in Welsh! Check out Andrew's books and author page on Amazon. 

In this ThelemaNOW episode, Harper and P.D. “Danny” Newman discuss his new book, Theurgy: Theory and Practice, published by Inner Traditions. This is a delightful conversation with a charming guest over a book that is already renowned! Chief topics of conversation were the extraction of the roots of Theurgy in the Shamanism of Thrace, the conversion of Hekate from underworld psychopomp to World Soul, and the known history of the Chaldean Oracles.    P. D. Newman has been immersed in the study and practice of alchemy, hermetism, and theurgy for more than two decades. A member of both the Masonic Fraternity and the Society of Rosicrucians, he lectures internationally and has published articles in many esoteric journals, including The Scottish Rite Journal, Knights Templar Magazine, and Ad Lucem. He is the author of Angels in Vermilion: The Philosophers’ Stone from Dee to DMT and Alchemically Stoned: The Psychedelic Secret of Freemasonry.

In this dramatic follow on to the Peter JENX on ThaiOccult 2 Harper leads a conversation between Frater Acher and Peter JENX on the topic of magical talismans. They not only consider the significance of human remains in talismans, but also a world view that knows how to regard every object as a talismanic manifestation.

Peter Jenx is the guest on this episode of Thelema NOW, and Harper talks to him on the occasion of the release of the long-awaited sequel to his first book “The Thai Occult.” “The Thai Occult Two” explores the wide regional variations in Thai folk magic. This interview explores the place of the “ajarn” or local sorcerer in Thailand, their selection and training. We also talk about the nature of the lineages, and how the tradition – even the magic itself – changes with the needs of the people the ajarns serve. This is a wild ride!  Besides the amazing things that Peter says in this interview, he tells us that he is nearly done writing the third in the series; be assured that you’ll hear Peter Jenx’s voice again on TN when that book is released!

This Thelema, NOW!  episode features a conversation between Harper and Larry Roberts. Larry is the heart of Miskatonic Books. Miskatonic is an online store encompassing everything between esoteric and occult books and dark fantasy, classic horror and supernatural fiction. Larry and Debra, his wife, and their kids have been in the bookselling business for 30 years and have been publishing titles in various genres for 21 years. In 2009, Miskatonic won the Bram Stoker Award for Excellence in Specialty Press Publishing. Larry puts out an appetizer on Facebook every morning to lure our credit cards from the depths of our pockets into the light of day. On any given day, you might find offerings from Scarlet Imprint, Three Hands Press, Xoanon, Ouroboros Press, Teitan Press, Aeon Sophia Press, Nephilim Press, IXAXAAR… In short, Larry has his fingers in the only pie that all occultists can agree upon: BOOKS. He’s also a fascinating person with a deep spiritual practice and a great interviewee! Please join Harper and L

In this episode of ThelemaNOW, Harper talks with actor, dancer, director and ceremonial magician Robert Allen about his new book Imago: Body. Vision. Magick, recently released by Theion Publishing. The book leads us to some amazing discussions about the very significant overlap between magick and theater, and the history of the image, and Robert reveals one of the many useful exercises in the book. To buy the book: https://theionpublishing.com/shop/imago/ To learn about Robert’s workshops: https://performancemovementmagick.com/

In this episode of ThelemaNOW, Harper talks with Brian Cotnoir on the occasion of the release of his new book “On Alchemy.” Brian has been practicing alchemy as the art and science of perfecting a process for many years. The book is your opportunity to participate in his current, along with the classic history of the practice and many illuminating exercises. Hear more about it in this fascinating discussion! Buy the book here: On Alchemy by Brian Cotnoir: 9781786787705 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books See more of Brian’s work here: www.KhepriPress.com

Peter Mark Adams is an author, poet, esotericist and professional energy worker specializing in the ethnography and visuality of ritual, sacred landscape, esotericism, consciousness and healing. With a background in Philosophy from the University of Liverpool, Peter pursues advanced studies on iconology and iconographic; Renaissance art and material culture with the Warburg Institute’s School of Advanced Studies in London. Peter’s esoteric non-fiction is published through Scarlet Imprint Current offerings include the book discussed in the interview: Hagia Sophia - Sanctum of Kronos: Spiritual Dissent in an Age of Tyranny, Mystai: Dancing out the Mysteries of Dionysos and The Game of Saturn: Decoding the Sola-Busca Tarocchi. To buy Hagia Sophia – Sanctum of Kronos: https://scarletimprint.com/publications/p/hagia-sophia-sanctum-of-kronos  To hear the remarkable sounds described by Peter in the interview: https://youtu.be/rsLgLNgA-_Q

In this fascinating ThelemaNOW episode, Harper talks to friend and colleague Red K. Elders about art and movement, magic and bodies. Red’s perhaps best known for her stellar pencil drawings inspired by Greek mythological figures. She’s also a bodyworker and movement therapist. Underneath everything, she understands what it means to be nourished by the natural world, something we discuss in detail. Click to view her principal website and one devoted to sales of her wonderful art.  Also, we talk a bit about Red’s upcoming class with the Blackthorne School entitled Somatic Sorcery, which starts Monday, May 15! The class description and registration site are here: https://www.theblackthorneschool.com/courses/somatic-sorcery/

In this wide-ranging interview, Scott Michael Stenwick and Harper talk about everything between John Dee and quantum mechanics, by way of Eugene Wigner and the Falkland Islands. Scott is an author, blogger, esotericist, software developer, information technology consultant, and speculative fiction enthusiast. He writes fantasy and science fiction, and non-fiction books on the Western Esoteric Tradition. He also contributes to non-fiction anthologies that cover topics related to magical practices and esoteric spirituality. Read more about Scott on his websites ScottStenwick.com and Blogspot.  And buy the book we discussed here or on Amazon here.   

Thelema, NOW! welcomes Tobias Churton. A world authority on Gnostic spirituality, Churton is Britain’s leading scholar in the field of Western Esotericism. Our host Harper Feist and he discuss his latest book, Aleister Crowley in Paris Sex, Art, and Magick in the City of Light, is his sixth devoted to the Prophet of the Lovely Star, a series which began with Aleister Crowley: The Biography.   Using previously unpublished letters and diaries, Churton reconstructs Crowley’s heyday in the last decade and a half of France’s Belle Époque and the “Roaring Twenties,” this book illuminates Crowley’s place within the artistic, literary, and spiritual ferment of the great City of Light.   So, stick in those earbuds; this interview is JUICEY! Be sure to check out Tobias's book Aleister Crowley in Paris Sex, Art, and Magick in the City of Light

Thelema Now welcomes Sasha Chaitow! Having written her Ph.D. thesis on Joséphin Péladan, Dr. Sasha Chaitow is uniquely qualified to present a complete picture of the man and his works, both from an artistic and an esoteric standpoint. In particular, she has studied and documented – and is teaching – his initiatory system. In this Thelema Now episode, Dr. Chaitow and Harper Feist discuss the metaphysical and esoteric aspects of Péladan’s life, some of which happened side by side with Aleister Crowley in Paris. Put on your seatbelt, this interview is a good one! Be sure to check out Sasha's book -Son of Prometheus: The Life and Work of Joséphin Péladan. 

Jake Stretton-Kent died after an extended illness and the world will never be quite the same. Jake was a lot of things to a lot of people, clear from the hundreds of tributes written in Facebook and other social media platforms since the announcement. He was an incredibly influential magician and author, having given us Grimorium Verum, Geosophia, the Testament of Cyprian the Mage, Goetic Liturgy, Thus Spake Magnus Dictus and the Rosicrucifixion, amongst others. He also worked on each issue of Hadean Press’ Conjure Codices. His laser-focus on relationships with spirits incited an entire generation of practitioners to a more thoughtful approach. He was a serious researcher and adept, a magical experimentalist while retaining both feet in a foundation of history and literature. Amusingly, to discover his sources, we often had to inquire personally about them. The bad part was that we couldn’t just dig through his references, the good part was that when you asked him, he would provide a stunning background and a