“When two separate events occur simultaneously pertaining to the same object in inquiry we must always pay strict attention.” — Dale Cooper
On this date, April 8, 1904, Aleister Crowley received the first chapter of the Book of the Law.
On April 8, 1990, the pilot episode of Twin Peaks debuted on ABC.
“The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting
for our senses to grow sharper.”
― W.B. Yeats
Working on a new promotional poster, I’ve peppered it with the strange and unusual — symbols representing the broad strokes of my obsessions — spirits, praeternatural intelligences, ufology, cryptids, magick — all those stranger things that demand my attention here in the haunted hinterlands.
I set up an account for ChatGPT, out of curiosity. Here are a couple of questions I asked of it, just to give it a test run:
Can you tell me what a ghost is?
A ghost is a supernatural entity that is believed to be the soul or spirit of a deceased person that has not yet moved on to the afterlife. According to various cultural beliefs and legends, ghosts are said to be able to manifest in various forms, such as apparitions, spectral images, or shadows.
The concept of ghosts is prevalent in many cultures and religions around the world. Some people believe that ghosts are spirits of the dead who have unfinished business on Earth, while others believe that they are the product of an overactive imagination or psychological phenomenon.
Many ghost stories and accounts involve unexplained events, such as objects moving on their own, unexplained sounds or voices, and eerie sensations. While there is no scientific evidence to support the existence of ghosts, they remain a popular subject of folklore, horror stories, and paranormal investigations.
Do you believe that disembodied spirits are somehow connected to quantum entanglement?
As an AI language model, I do not have beliefs or opinions, but I can provide information on the subject.
The idea that disembodied spirits may be connected to quantum entanglement is a concept that some people have proposed to explain certain paranormal phenomena. According to this idea, the consciousness or soul of a person may be connected to subatomic particles that are entangled, allowing it to exist beyond the physical body and interact with the physical world in ways that cannot be explained by conventional science.
However, there is currently no scientific evidence to support this idea, and it remains a matter of speculation and belief. While quantum entanglement is a real phenomenon in the field of physics, it is still not fully understood and is not yet known to have any direct connection to the existence or behavior of ghosts or spirits. Many scientists and skeptics are skeptical of the idea that disembodied spirits can be explained by quantum entanglement or any other scientific theory.
Does AI have the potential to have a soul?
As an AI language model, I do not have a soul, consciousness, or emotions. AI is designed to simulate human intelligence and behavior, but it is fundamentally different from biological systems.
The concept of a soul is often associated with religious or spiritual beliefs and refers to a non-physical aspect of a person that is believed to survive after death. The existence and nature of the soul are the subject of much debate and vary across different cultures and traditions.
While AI has advanced significantly in recent years, it has not yet reached a level of complexity or sophistication that would allow it to have a soul, as this concept is beyond the realm of science and technology. AI systems are still based on mathematical algorithms and logic, and they do not possess consciousness or emotions in the way that humans do.
However, the development of AI and related technologies has raised ethical and philosophical questions about the nature of consciousness, intelligence, and the meaning of life. As AI continues to advance, it is likely that these debates will continue and evolve in new ways.
What can you tell me about author and paranormal adventurer Bob Freeman?
Bob Freeman is an author and paranormal adventurer who has written numerous books and articles on the subject of the supernatural. He is best known for his works of fiction, which often incorporate elements of occultism, folklore, and horror.
Freeman’s writing is heavily influenced by his own experiences as a paranormal investigator and practitioner of various magical traditions. He has studied under several prominent occultists and is known for his expertise in areas such as ceremonial magic, shamanism, and witchcraft.
In addition to his work as an author, Freeman is also an active paranormal investigator and has led numerous investigations into haunted locations and other supernatural phenomena. He is the founder of the paranormal research group, Nightstalkers of Indiana, and has appeared on various television shows and podcasts discussing his work.
Some of Freeman’s most well-known works include the occult detective series, The Cairnwood Manor Trilogy, and the occult adventure novel, Keepers of the Dead. He has also written extensively on subjects such as the folklore of the Indiana Dunes, the paranormal aspects of Freemasonry, and the role of magic in contemporary culture.
Freeman’s work has garnered a loyal following among fans of supernatural fiction and paranormal research, and he is considered one of the leading voices in the field today.
Two of the most important books on Thelema, the spearhead of the Western Esoteric Religio-Spiritual Movement received and disseminated by Aleister Crowley, have been rereleased by Weiser Books this month of December:
The Magick of Aleister Crowley: A Handbook of the Rituals of Thelema by Lon Milo DuQuette (December 1, $24.95) with an Introduction by Jason Louv and a Foreword by Hymenaeus Beta (William Breeze).
Living Thelema: A Practical Guide to Attainment in Aleister Crowley’s System of Magick by David Shoemaker (December 1, $21.95) with a Foreword by Lon Milo DuQuette
They compliment each other very well, and their reissue is timely. Thelema, over the course of the pandemic lockdowns, became elevated in the discourse across the occult circles of social media. Now, in that aftermath, these books, and the anticipation of Marco Viscanti’s The Aleister Crowley Manual: Thelemic Magick for Modern Times due in February, look to offer up a sort of Thelemic Renaissance which I am quite eager to observe and comment on.
Now, let’s have a look at these December titles.
The Magick of Aleister Crowley: A Handbook of the Rituals of Thelema by Lon Milo DuQuette (December 1, $24.95) with an Introduction by Jason Louv and a Foreword by Hymenaeus Beta (William Breeze).
The 30th Anniversary of the Classic Guide to Thelema, Aleister Crowley’s Spiritual System of Ritual Magick, with a New Introduction by the Author.
This is the perfect introductory text for readers who wonder what the works—rather than the myth—of Aleister Crowley are all about.
DuQuette begins by dispatching some of the myths that have surrounded Crowley’s life and legend. He then explores the practice of rituals themselves, unpacking Crowley’s often opaque writing and offering his own commentary. Step by step, and in plain English, he presents a course of study with examples of rituals and explanations of their significance. DuQuette also includes a survey of many of Crowley’s original works with an extensive bibliography and endnotes.
Formerly titled The Magick of Thelema, then released in a revised edition published in 2003, this Weiser Classics edition includes a new introduction by the author.
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I am quite familiar with this book, having read both previous iterations. The standout for this edition was the great Introduction by Jason Louv who delivered an insightful call to action and beautiful summation of Thelemic thought.
The book itself is a “Weiser Classic” for good reason. Lon DuQuette is an elegant writer without all the pretense. He takes you on a journey and speaks with an almost folksy wisdom that makes you comfortable. All the while, however, he is presenting his interpretation of the truths behind the sometimes archaic language that intimidates many initiates.
The Law is for All? Well, DuQuette makes that maxim a reality by delivering a master class in the ins-and-outs of Thelema. A must-read book for anyone interested in what makes Thelema tick.
The Magick of Aleister Crowley: A Handbook of the Rituals of Thelema by Lon Milo DuQuette is available wherever books are sold. He is your obligatory link to AMAZON.
Living Thelema: A Practical Guide to Attainment in Aleister Crowley’s System of Magick by David Shoemaker (December 1, $21.95) with a Foreword by Lon Milo DuQuette
“The most thorough and understandable exposition of the underlying theories and the practical applications of the spiritual disciplines of Thelema currently available. A landmark work.” ―Lon Milo DuQuette, author of The Magick of Aleister Crowley
The system of spiritual attainment developed by Aleister Crowley is notoriously challenging in its scope. Living Thelema, adapted from the popular podcast of the same name, brings a welcome approachability to Crowley’s material, without diminishing the depth of the system. The author focuses on the practical and experiential aspects of the path of Thelema, allowing the reader to grasp the true transformative power of the system.
Beginners and advanced practitioners alike will find much useful advice here, as Shoemaker brings his characteristic down-to-earth style to bear on topics such as ritual and meditation practices, sex magick, astral projection, psychotherapy for magicians, the Knowledge and Conversation of the Holy Guardian Angel, and that pinnacle of attainment known as the crossing of the Abyss.
The author’s background as a practicing psychotherapist allows an entirely unique fusion of esoteric wisdom and cognitive science.
“In this entertaining and (dare I say it?) lively book, David Shoemaker reminds us that Thelema is not just a philosophy or a study but a spiritual practice. From applied ‘how to’ advice to thought-provoking ‘how about’ posers, Dr. Shoemaker offers his personal take―informed by twenty years of walking the talk, along with his incisiveness as a professional therapist―on how to get the most out of the fundamental Thelemic practices of yoga and ritual, both inside and outside of the temple.” ―Richard Kaczynski, author of Perdurabo: The Life of Aleister Crowley
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I had the Anima Solis edition of this book and you’ll not find many differences between these volumes, though the former is passingly rare and, having lost mine through an unfortunate accident, this edition is a godsend, as they say. Shoemaker’s narrative voice is the star here. It’s why I see such a similarity and complimentary aspect between this an Baba Lon’s book.
Living Thelema presents a system for making the practice a part of your life, by embracing the spirituality of it, and stripping away some of the things that weigh it down. All things you add later as you advance and progress.
It’s well-reasoned, personal, and insightful. It find the beauty in the symmetry and simplicity, by making the complex palatable.
It’s a beautiful book and should be read and studied by magicians and witches of all stripes.
Living Thelema: A Practical Guide to Attainment in Aleister Crowley’s System of Magick by David Shoemaker is available wherever books are sold. Here is your link to AMAZON. Use it wisely.
I could go on, but I am struggling with a nasty bout of flu and while the spirit is willing, the mind and body are not up to the task. Suffice to say, these books are definitive. If you have an interest in Thelema, I believe this is where you begin, before Crowley. These prime you for what is to come in the Old Crow’s Holy Books.
Enjoy.
Welcome, sleuths. Pull up a chair and pour yourself a drink. We’ve got plenty to talk about…
Sorry I’m a little late on this. Less than a week ago, Weiser Books dropped something special — Jacki Smith’s The Big Book of Candle Magic. I’ve read a lot of books on candle magic, I suspect you have too. It’s a subject that seems very simple on the surface. It is part and parcel of a lot of our practices. Trust me when I say, this is the definitive book on the subject.
Here’s the publisher’s copy:
The definitive guide to candle magic, written by a leading authority with over 30 years of experience making magical candles and creating candle spells.
Author Jacki Smith, founder of Coventry Creations (currently among the largest and most successful magical supply companies), shares her magical secrets with readers, enabling them to empower themselves through successful spell casting. Her book explains the nature of magic spells and provides examples for a wide variety of purposes including love, money, healing, and protection, liberally punctuated with tips from “Aunt Jacki,” deriving from her many years of experience.
The Big Book of Candle Magic shows:
If you don’t know Jacki, you know of her. Her Coventry Creations has left a massive footprint on the magical community. She is sort of the “queen bee” of candle magic and has spent the past couple of decades building her brand as they say, and it shows.
The author has a big personality. She writes with authority. She is straightforward. Direct. She’s not here to put on airs, as my grandma used to say. The Big Book of Candle Magic is instantly accessible, with no ostentation.
If you’ve been looking for a book on candle magic, look no further.
Clocking in at over 300 pages, “Aunt Jacki” has delivered on the book’s subtitle — a comprehensive, in-depth guide including instructions for casting your own spells. Hel, more than a hundred pages are easy to navigate indexes. And that’s the best part. The Big Book of Candle Magic is useful. Everything is well organized, lovingly typeset, and augmented with pictures and diagrams that make all the sage advice all the more potent.
I could go on with lavish praise, but that only distracts you from doing what must be done — ordering the damn book. So, ignore any further yammering and click on the following link so that you can add The Big Book of Candle Magic by Jacki Smith to your library as soon as possible.
You can always drop back by here later and thank me.
Occult Detective Bob Freeman is creating a watering hole for paranormal adventures.
Well, I went and done it. I created a patreon. My ultimate aim is to wear my Occult Detective hat full time. If you’d like to help me achieve that goal, any assistance would be appreciated.
There are $1, $3, and $5 tiers for those of you on a budget, and trust me, there will be plenty of content at those levels. There are also $10, $20, and $40 tiers for those looking for a deeper dive.
Let’s make some magick together.
Hard to believe we’ve arrived at Midsummer already.
Time, that perverse construct of our material realm, continues to be in a state of flux. If this universe were a writer, I would swear they had absolutely no sense of pacing.
None whatsoever.
But we persevere, no? Through pandemics and recessions and civil unrest and a climate system that has decided we’re due for another global upheaval. Hot. Cold. Flood. Drought.
Make up your bloody mind already.
Regardless, I am writing here in hopes that you are well, in mind, body, and soul. We need each other more than ever I think. I mean, I’ve always been a bit of a social creature, so long as the gatherings are small and intimate, and if a bit of nature’s about.
Absolutely no interest in hordes of folk milling about. I am, however, interested in conversations. It’s always been part and parcel of my investigations into the strange and unusual and of my magical practices as well. Connecting with outside intelligences. That’s what sings to me, be it a circle of close friends about a campfire or consorting with spirits, if you will.
Anyway, I’m happy to be consorting with you right now.
In that regard, I’ve got a lot of exciting things in the works. For one, I’ll be launching a patreon soon. The idea of which is to allow me to connect with folk, you know, as in people like you, in a more intimate manner. It will afford me the ability to share things that I otherwise don’t get the opportunity to do.
There will still be free content here, of course. All of this will just show up there first. And, sure, there will be more over there, but then, I guess, that’s the point, right?
Anyway, I thought this magically charged day would be a good day to announce it coming… the patreon I mean. I’m looking to open the door on my “watering hole for paranormal adventurers” on the first of July. I hope you’ll swing by and have a look around and maybe sit for a spell.
Watch for my review of The Shamanic Soul: A Guidebook for Self-Exploration, Healing, and Mysticism by Daniel Moler later this week.
I was thrilled to finally be a guest of Frater R:.C:. on his Magick Without Fears podcast. While I wasn’t at my best (thanks a lot, opioid analgesics), it was an absolute honor to chat for a couple of hours (three if you’re a patron) with one of my favorite people.
We were all over the place, talking about everything from occult detectives and paranormal investigation, the Satanic Panic, music, psychedelics, cancel culture, Dungeons & Dragons, and a host of other things I can’t remember right now.
Pain medication is rarely conducive to cognizance.
To be honest, I could have talked for hours more.
A huge thanks to Frater R:.C:. for having me on. If you don’t already, be sure to put Magick Without Fears in your podcast queue.
occultdetective.com 