A form of divination which was immensely popular throughout Europe and Africa for centuries, but is little used these days is Geomancy. Practiced and utilized by all social classes, Geomancy was consulted for its clarity as well as it being so flexible in how one can undertake a reading. Stones, the dirt, dice, coins and even beans were used to cast for 16 unique figures, each with its own idiosyncratic meaning. In an effort to spread the glory of this now somewhat forgotten art, is the Cunning Geomancer Dr. Alexander Cummins!

Many of those who practice Magic and Divination or are just curious about it, will have a deck of Tarot Cards. And yet, most of them have no idea as to how the Tarot cards became something that is to this day one of the most popular forms of divination. On this episode of WMiT? we will be diving into what I consider to be the most interesting aspect of Tarot, which is the history of the cards themselves. Along the way we will explore where they came from, some of the historic decks we still have, as well as a few myths that have accrued around Tarot itself!

Mormonism is an American Religious tradition that started in the early 19th century by one single figure, Joseph Smith. To followers he is considered a prophet and a seer; one who received many revelations in his life which are all part of what makes Mormonism what it is today. Yet, through the years many have taken a closer look at what occurred with Joseph Smith initially at the birth of Mormonism, and have noticed many Occult as well as Masonic Influences. Going through it all, WMiT? is joined by Scholar, Author and Spiritual guide Dr. Nick Literski.

Perhaps the most notorious esoteric secret society of all time, the Rosicrucians still inspire enormous amounts of mystery and interest to this day. Yet what is going on with the Rosicrucians exactly? Where did they come from? Who were the Rosicrucians? Why do they matter still? Was it all some kind of inside Joke? To set all of this straight is the scholar of Western Esotericism and the author of many books which are important to our interests here at WMiT?- the Great Tobias Churton!

For more than 60 years in the late 19th century and early 20th century, a New Religious Movement known as Spiritualism swept across the Western World. Everyone from famous authors to housewives took part in engaging with spirits and Mediumship via Séances and other means. These days Spiritualism is mostly taken as a period of time in which every participant was either delusional or being conned by frauds. Yet there is much more to Spiritualism and Spirit Mediumship than what most people are familiar with. Going through it with us is the one and only Dr. Jack Hunter.

As far as books of Magic throughout history, perhaps the most notorious of these is The Picatrix. Originally titled in Arabic as Ghāyat al-Ḥakīm or the Goal of the Wise, it is a very large tome of Talismanic and Astrological Magic which was likely originally composed in the 11th century. Hugely influential in the Renaissance, it has seen a recent surge in popularity in the last 20 years. Joining WMiT? for a discussion of all things Picatrix, is one of its translators and a leading force in Astrological Magic- Christopher Warnock.

You enter a darkened room. There's beautiful artwork on the walls, many books, and the place is absolutely filled with decks of cards of all kinds. A single figure sits there, shuffling a small deck of cards as you yourself sit down facing them. You have a question and are looking for answers- The question is "What is the Tarot?" And you will be given the answer by one who knows more than most about these strange and wonderful cards- Dr. Camelia Elias.

The image of a witch or a warlock creeping through a dark forest collecting herbs, leaves and branches and stuffing them in a pouch is one that we are all familiar with. And with good reason! Materia Magica from Plants, Trees and Herbs strike to the core of magical practice. For some, it is the very path to how they navigate the world of magic as it involves knowledge, practicality, and lore in near equal measure. And to tell us all about it, is one who has explored it more than most- the one and only Corinne Boyer!

There is no other author whose works have been brought up both on the show, and in the show notes more than Gary Lachman. Gary has stated that his work is about the Evolution of Consciousness and many of the concepts and figures which he writes about should be familiar to every ardent listener of What Magic is This? In this episode, I would love to introduce to you, the person whose books are some of my favourite ever written- the one and only Gary Lachman!

The concept of "Magic" within the Jewish world is a complex and fascinating one. Many people when they look at the Western Esoteric and Magical tradition will say that many of the elements of it take much from the Hebrew alphabet and Jewish Mysticism like Kabbalah. But what of the Jewish people themselves, how did magic and mysticism play a role in their lives throughout time? Joining me on this episode is the one and only Dr. Justin Sledge.

Monoliths exist. The Occult and Esotericism in the West has many, but there are only a handful that almost everyone who calls themselves a seeker knows and will cite by name. One of them was written by a quiet but imposing figure, who seemingly out of nowhere at the age of twenty-seven wrote a book that cut to the very heart of philosophical esotericism. His name was Manly Palmer Hall and his book The Secret Teachings of All Ages stands to this day as a book that is both daunting and dizzyingly vast. But what can we take from this work now, and what do we make of its enigmatic and mystical author? Welcome back to the Fools Gallery.

Through the ages, many branches of esoteric thought have spoken of a Perennial Philosophy; an original wisdom from which all wisdom comes. For many, Ancient Egypt was seen as the place where a certain current and way of being with the world manifested itself to accomplish great things. One early 20th century Alchemist, René Schwaller de Lubicz thought that he knew what this was. After having spent years in Egypt and looking at their ancient structures and symbols, felt that he understood that the Ancient Egyptians saw and thought with the world in a very different way; that they saw into the inside of everything- An Intelligence of the Heart. Joining WMiT? to talk about it is the scholar of esotericism, Aaron Cheak PhD!

The movement of people from the German speaking areas of Europe to the Americas brought many things. In Pennsylvania, many new customs and traditions formed, including a sort of Folk Magic. Taking its name from a specific American Grimoire, Powwow also known as Braucherei became hugely popular amongst the Pennsylvania Dutch. Taking us through all of the aspects of Powwow are two Powwowers, Jason David the Powwow Doctor, and Robert Matthew Phoenix the Powwow Guy!

Over the last 2 years, the one question I get asked more than any other single question from listeners is "How do I get started doing Magic?" To start the year off right, I would like to provide a few insights and perhaps some inspiration which hopefully should help one enter the temple of Magic with ease. Pull up a chair and lend an ear, I'm about to share a few things.

In the last 30 years, a shining example of the delicious mix of Magic and Creativity within comic books has been exemplified by the creature that is Grant Morrison. It seems like every superhero that you can bring to mind has been touched in some way by Morrison. And yet, besides bringing forward the modern mythology of the caped warriors that set off so many cash registers across the globe, Morrison has been a Magician for many years, and has shared their Magic in many ways not just through the combination of pictures and words. It's all things Grant Morrison in this episode!

For many, the most influential and austere Grimoire of Magic from the Islamicate world is the Shams al-Ma'arif or the Sun of Knowledge. Inside this notorious book are many Magic Squares which combine words and numbers which are believed to be the only true way to communicate with Angels and spiritual entities called Jinn. A book that has been held in high regard by many, up to this point it has not been translated into English- Until now. Joining WMiT? is the team that undertook the task- Scholar Amina Inloes and Artist J.M. Hamade.

Something which is often talked of in magical circles, but not greatly understood- is Gnosticism and those who were called Gnostics. These Gnostics were those that valued personal experience of God; a knowledge called "gnosis," over more orthodox traditions and institutions. For the last 2000 years, we knew very little about these Gnostics, but all of that changed with an amazing archeological find in 1945 in Egypt. Taking us through Gnosticism and all things Gnostic, is the host of the greatest gnostic podcast ever, Aeon Byte Gnostic Radio- Mr. Miguel Conner!

Something which touches every person on this planet is illness; at some point each and every one of us will get sick. How we heal and what medicines we use has changed drastically throughout the ages. Things which would have meant certain death a hundred years ago, are dealt with somewhat simply now. So what is one to do if they get sick and they also do not buy into a fully materialist paradigm? To discuss we are joined by someone who has recently endured a healing journey and is sharing how it went and how they utilized magic in their healing- Ivy Bromius!

It's hard not to bump up against the Great Beast at some point when doing magic in the 21st Century. So many aspects of Western Occultism owe Crowley a debt in some way or another. Yet as time goes on, many people are speaking out against Crowley or at least highlighting that perhaps he was not all he's cracked up to be. For about seven years, I called myself a Thelemite and would engage in whatever rituals of Crowley's I could find. So, to put a cap on the Month of Crowley, I'd like to share a few of my Beastly Thoughts.

The statement "Aleister Crowley was a complicated figure" is a vast understatement. Depending on who is delivering the message, he can be either a wise teacher pointing to enlightenment and truth, or a monster and a con-artist who thought only of himself always. Our second episode of The Month of the Beast has us talking with the author of several books about Crowley, Richard T. Cole. We dive into the writing of The Book of the Law, some skulduggery as well as the overall message of the New Aeon.

Without a doubt the one figure that comes to mind for many when the word Occult and/or Magic is mentioned- is Aleister Crowley. He is a monumental figure and the modern occult still resides in his shadow to this day. Much of what passes for Magic these days owes some sort of debt to Crowley as he was both prolific and influential in many ways. The Great Beast lived an extraordinary life and each biography of Crowley seems to show a different person. On this episode, joining WMiT? is the scholar and author of the most comprehensive Biography of Aleister Crowley, Richard Kaczynski PhD!

Happy Crowleymas! A short episode detailing what's going to be happening over the Next month on What Magic is This?  Grab your robes and Books of Law, we're going over the one Magician that everyone knows- Aleister Crowley!  IAO, 93 and all of that! 

If Western Magic is to have one document that many consider to be foundational and essential- that would be the Three Books of Occult Philosophy by Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa. The Three Books are Agrippa's attempt to synthesize magic with religion, going from the natural world to the celestial world and beyond. Joining the discussion on this extremely important text is someone who has understood the importance of Three Books well- Wren Collier, and the man who single-handedly produced the first English translation of Three Books in nearly 400 years- Eric Purdue!

Say the word Goetia and what comes to mind for many a magician is the summoning of Demons from the pits of hell. Yet many magicians are unaware from where the word Goetia came from but also what Goetia actually was. In this Episode of WMiT?, we go through the origins of Goetia as an ancient Greek tributary funeral practice, how the meaning of Goetia changed in the Renaissance and to the document that most people know the word from- The Ars Goetia, a very unique Grimoire. You've been summoned.

Hoodoo is a name given (somewhat unwillingly) to a culture, tradition and inheritance that arose due to a very special circumstance. This was the intersection of Indigenous, African and European culture and beliefs that occurred in South Eastern America. There are many things which arose out of this circumstance such as a Botanical knowledge of the areas in which these peoples found themselves, a special kind of spirituality, and much much more. There are many concepts of Hoodoo which require closer investigation, and joining WMiT? to help in this regard is Author, Rootworker and creator of The Hoodoo Tarot- Tayannah Lee McQuillar!

One of the most popular and purchased Occult Books of the last 100 years, perhaps the most purchased Occult book ever- is The Kybalion. Purported to be the work of the Three Initiates and the transcendent knowledge of the sage of Hermeticism Hermes Trismegistus, the Kybalion is a text that for many has been their introduction into the world of the unknown and Occult. But is the Kybalion all that is says it is? Are there things about this text that need to be considered before and after one reads it? On this Episode of WMiT? we are joined by Nicholas Chapel, someone who has looked much much deeper at the Kybalion than most dare to.

What does it take to call oneself a "Witch" these days? Are there certain things one must do, things that need to be believed, practices that need to be practiced? Or has Witchcraft really become so egalitarian that pretty much anything goes? Most people's conceptions of witchcraft are fairly modern conceptions, and many of the stories about the History of the Witch are myths. Is this a good thing, a bad thing, or just the way things go inevitably? To help out and give some guidance and direction for where one's witchcraft should situate itself these days, WMiT? is joined by Author, blogger and Witch Emma Kathryn.

One of the most controversial and downright confounding figures of 20th Century Science and Psychotherapy, was Wilhelm Reich. It was Reich's conjecture that he had discovered a powerful force that pervades not only all life here on earth, but also the cosmos as well. Reich called it Orgone, and it was the primary, sexual force of life. His views and research however has been met with obloquy and derision at every turn. In this episode, I am joined by Dan Lowe to go through the life and ideas of this oft maligned, yet fascinating figure.

Without a doubt, one moment that pretty much everyone is in agreement is absolutely seminal to the Occult, is when in 1471 Marcilio Ficino published the Corpus Hermeticum which he had recently translated. This triggered an explosion within Esoteric thought at the time, but also still right up to today. Finally, Hermeticism was something we could point a finger at and say that it was important. Since the publication, Hermeticism has had its ups and downs, but one thing is for sure- it is not going away any time soon. In this concluding episode, Erik Arneson and Sam Block go through Hermeticism over the last 600 years.

One word which gets used everywhere and almost as a substitute for Esoteric Thought and Philosophy- is Hermeticism. But what exactly is it and how did it come about? Is it a religion? A Philosophy? What was it all about? Our understanding of Hermeticism through time has changed vastly, much of the obscurity has been cleared up only within the last 100 years. In this, the first of a Two-Part series, I am joined by Erik Arneson and Sam Block to get to the bottom of the birth of Hermeticism and what it meant as it was originally conceived.

Two words that are never far away in the english-speaking word are both "Satan" and "Satanism." While many have ideas as to what both represent, much of the obscurity has been lifted from the philosophical beliefs that make up Satanism. Although there were a few groups and people that we could say were Satanic before the 20th century, Satanism as we all know it now is less than 60 years old. Based around the ideas of one man in particular, since its inception Satanism and ideas of what Satanists get up to has never been out of the public imagination for too long.

Many people that approach Magic for the first time are doing so because they believe that Magic has the ability to change them, usually for the better. Self-Transformation has been both a part as well as an ambition for a vast amount of us, but how exactly does one go about it? Most of us feel stuck somehow, that there are things about us that we'd like to change. Can Magic help with this, or does turning to Magic for something transformative in a way miss the point? Joining in this discussion is the Host of Spirit Box Podcast, the always luminous Darragh Mason.

Beyond a doubt, the most listener requested show up to this point. Seemingly everybody has their own take on Sex Magic. And why not?! For something as personal and important as sex, particularly when applied to a ritual or spell-based context, the topic itself is one that draws fascination as well as controversy. In this wonderful episode of WMiT? we are joined by the always luminous Luxa Strata of Lux Occult Podcast to hash out as much as possible our understandings of Sex Magic as we can! You asked for it.

In recent years, more and more attention has been directed at a somewhat neglected tradition of Magic- The Cunning Folk. Otherwise known as White Witches, they were known for providing many functions and needs all over Europe for a time. Divination, blessing, curse-breaking, dreams, conjuring of spirits, potions and much more were just some of the tools in their magical arsenal. They fulfilled many roles for those whom they served, for a price of course. In this Episode of WMiT? we are joined by The Wise Woman of Bushwick Avenue, Aerinn Hodges!

Say the words Magician, Occultist and Angel Magic and one name comes immediately to mind - Dr. John Dee. About as close as England has ever come to producing a real life Wizard, Dee is one of the most scrutinized, analyzed and obsessed over figures of the 16th century. Blazingly brilliant at Mathematics, Astronomy and Astrology in his own time, he is known mostly nowadays for a particular segment of his life. For less than a decade, Dee and a questionable figure by the name of Edward Kelley would converse with what they believed to be nothing less than Angels. Such activities have intrigued, astounded and confounded us to this Day. If there ever was a Titan of Magic, it is Dr. John Dee.

Instantly recognizable; you know a Wizard when you see one. Not only by appearance- Beards, older, white hair but also by the items associated with them- Robes, pointed hat, staff and old books. There is seemingly something archetypal about the wizard, which literally means "One who is Wise." These days, the Wizard ranks among some of the most beloved characters in books, films, art and more. In this Episode of WMiT?, we are joined by a real life Wizard Devin Person, to go through why the Wizard is a cultural touchstone in every way.

Through the vastness of time, one thing we've all had in common was the sky, especially that of the night sky. The Stars, Moon and planets have meant many different things to our Ancestors. Many saw the cosmic dance these celestial bodies followed as an integral part of not only their Myths or Cosmology but having real agency in our lives and in events here on earth. There is much magic in the stars, and to discuss as well as elucidate such things is my guest for this episode, Amaya Rourke!

To many the words "Christianity" and "Magic" should be like oil and water. For most Christians, the Occult is strictly forbidden; a dalliance with the dark forces of Satan. For Occultists, Christianity is the great adversary; always seeking to destroy and do away with those who use Magic of any form. Yet these dichotomies are somewhat new and it has not always been so easy to seperate. Much of the nuance has been lost, but luckily over the last 15 years, many of those into Magic and Witchcraft have begun the process of reexamining these complex ideas. Joining this episode is Christian Magician and renegade catholic cleric Reverend Michael Lux.

We all dream. Yet sometimes, while we are dreaming we become conscious of the fact that it is almost as if we are in the dream; we realize that we are active in our thoughts and actions. This is Lucid Dreaming, the ability to be aware while in a dream state. Most people have had at least one Lucid dream, others can lucid dream in great detail and frequently. In this episode of WMiT? we tackle this odd phenomenon which has massive possibilities for the study of consciousness. Joining the show is a returning guest from the Dreams episode who every time she dreams, she is lucid but in a very interesting way.

Holmes & Watson. Salt & Pepper. Hell, even Sturm und Drang- there are some classic combinations in this world. Rock 'n Roll & The Occult just seems natural. Although a relatively recent musical form, less than a century, the dalliances of the diabolical with Rock music were there nearly from the beginning. The combination of drums, guitars and a hollering vocals seem the very thing that the Occult offers in some way as well- Powerful, animal, and emotive. Yet the story of Rock and the Occult has been told many times before by many people. In this Episode of WMiT we examine a few of the lesser known features of this story, as well as some music that seems rather less than obvious. Joining me on this dizzying journey is Songwriter and Musician Kue Varo. Give'r.

Kept safe in many Special Collections around the world are very odd and very special Books. They are filled with interesting content- Invocations, Evocations, Prayers, Spells as well as odd diagrams. These are Grimoires- A Magician's textbook and are used for many purposes such as divination, crafting talismans, herbs and stones, as well as how to summon Demons, Angels, Spirits and other entities. Joining this episode to discuss these fascinating and incredible documents is the Scholar, Author and Modern Cunning Man Dr. Alexander Cummins!

Without a doubt, the last 5 years has seen a resurgence of interest in the Celestial Art of Astrology. At base, Astrology is looking at the positions of celestial bodies like the planets and stars, in order to divine information relevant to the past, the present and the future. A discipline unto itself, to say that Astrology was important in ages past is a vast understatement. On this episode of WMiT? we are joined by Scholar, Author and Consulting Astrologer Dr. Becca Tarnas, whose views and eloquence on Astrology are both breathtaking and informative. For those who are weary or have yet to look into Astrology, there can be no better introduction than this episode.

Starting off the New Year with a Titan of Magic. Austin Osman Spare means many things to many people. For some, he was an extremely talented Artist whose antisocial behaviour and unwillingness to compromise left him forgotten by the art world. For others, he is the grandfather of sigil magic; a fiercely independent occultist who came up with his own system of magic which was considered revolutionary long after he passed away. Chances are we will never get the full story of the magic of Austin Osman Spare, but we are able to look back and see that his story is not what it seems.

If you dismiss the humanities, you dismiss the prophets among you... Perhaps no other contemporary figure's ideas are brought up more in WMiT? than Dr. Jeffrey Kripal. His work is the stuff which fuels much of my thinking about the paranormal, the supernatural and extraordinary experience. Always with a comparative eye, Dr. Kripal not only looks into the past and the present, but also has his gaze fixed on the future; on what could be awaiting us if we only allow ourselves to tell each other the stories of what we experience.

What if you could see aspects of your future merely by being asleep? What if the unconscious mind was in some way prophetic? What if precognition and psi effects are memories of your future experiences; something you premember? In this Episode of WMiT? I am joined by a guest whose ideas I have mentioned numerous times on the Podcast- Dr. Eric Wargo. His book Time Loops has been one of my greatest reading experiences of the last decade, and he's only getting started.

We all have them. Or, do they have us? The Tapestry of life is a complex web of family, lineage and blood. Their struggles and triumphs are yours as well. For many beginning in Magic, the idea of Ancestors and their elevation does not seem like the most interesting aspect to start practicing, but many these days are making a case that starting with ancestors is beyond beneficial. Joining WMiT? is a man who is well versed in the realm of the restless dead and how it applies to your health and well-being, Mr. Chiron Armand. Your ancestors aren't going anywhere, do not waste this opportunity.

Since 2011, my guest Sam Block, also known as Polyphanes, has written well over 1.5 Million words on his Blog, The Digital Ambler. Having found his work in late 2013, I loved his passion and process regarding such texts as the Corpus Hermeticum and the Greek Magical Papyri. In this episode of WMiT? I finally get to pick his brain about some of my favourite aspects of magic, his process and how he tackles such things as using Barbarous names, substituting ingredients, even prayer. The Magical Mindscape of Polyphanes is on full display.

Fish falling from the sky. People disappearing from one area only to be found in another. People igniting on fire for no reason. Such phenomena was finally given a voice in the early 20th Century all thanks to one man- Charles Fort. The word 'Fortean' is used by some to describe this phenomena but the thing is, cataloguing strange instances when reality seems to get weird should not be the only thing that Charles Fort is known for. The man who invented the Supernatural (a term Charles despised) has much insight into the odd currents of our reality and deserves a bit more respect, especially as things start to get much more strange.