Coming Soon

Like I don’t have enough on my proverbial plate, we have a podcast (of sorts) in development.

Yes it will be weird, strange, and unusual.

It will cover history, true crime, the paranormal, magick, and cryptids, and…well, anything that strikes our fancy.

There may be guests on occasion, and there will be a major focus on Northern Indiana, because, well, it doesn’t get any weirder, or stranger, or unusual than that. And besides, it’s our stomping grounds.

We know where all the bodies are buried. Join us as we dig them up.

Stay tuned for a full launch announcement soon.

If you’d like to contribute, please join my patreon and get in on the ground floor.

My Thoughts on Secrets of the Real Black Lodge Revealed by Greenfield & Phillips

In 1917, Aleister Crowley wrote Moonchild, an occult thriller that revolved around a magical battle between two esoteric Lodges — The White Lodge, led by Simon Iff, and the Black Lodge. The plot is thus: Cyril Grey, a member of the White Lodge, attempts to impregnate a woman,  Lisa la Giuffria, in a magic ritual to give birth to a Moonchild, an infant that would bear the soul of an ethereal being. Opposing this is the Black Lodge, though we learn that Grey, too, has other motivations.

In 1946, famed rocketeer Jack Parsons, and the infamous founder of Scientology, L. Ron Hubbard, performed a magical rite, called the Babalon Working, in an attempt to conjure forth a woman that would be the embodiment of Babalon, who would then be used as a vessel to bring a Moonchild into the world.

Learning of Parsons and Hubbard’s ambition, Crowley commented, “I get fairly frantic when I contemplate the idiocy of these two goats.”

In 1990, David Lynch and Mark Frost introduced the world to Twin Peaks, a quirky serial drama that centered on the mysterious death of a beloved, but troubled, high school student, Laura Palmer. The themes of the White and Black Lodge play heavily into the intricate plot, incorporating the magical writings of Aleister Crowley and Native American lore to paint a vivid and surreal picture of the battle between these two forces.

In 2023, Allen Greenfield and Olav Phillips explore these themes in Secrets of the Real Black Lodge Revealed, in which the esoteric mysteries of real world secret societies is unveiled.

Greenfield is the darling of the paranormal community. A frequent guest on innumerable podcasts, Greenfield has authored some of the greatest works in the fields of esoterica, ufology, and high strangeness, including The Secret Cypher of the Ufonauts, Secret Rituals of the Men in Black, and Christ and the Master Therion. 

With Secrets of the Real Black Lodge Revealed, Greenfield and Phillips peel the proverbial onion of the underbelly of the occult world, shedding light on the Black Lodge, a secret society that has worked in the shadows for countless generations.

While the information presented is easily accessible for novices to the world of high strangeness, this book is really a sort of love letter to the Veterans of a Thousand Psychic Wars, those of us in the trenches of the strange and unusual, but more than that, it is also a beacon on the works of Crowley, Parsons, and the dynamic duo of Lynch and Frost.

While Greenfield’s expertise and wit are on full display, the book is hindered by somewhat dubious design flaws. There are formatting issues, typographical errors throughout, and the pictures reproduced inside are poorly rendered. Even when the book was first announced, the cover had a glaring typo, reading: The Secrets of the Real the Real Black Lodge Revealed.

And while I appreciate the Stan Lee like narration of the back cover copy:

Descend into the Abyss: Unveiling the Hidden Truths

Unveil  the enigmatic truths hidden within the confines of the Black Lodge with  Allen Greenfield and Olav Phillips as your guides. In “Secrets of the  Real Black Lodge Revealed” these accomplished authors merge history,  mysticism, and the unexplained, offering a mesmerizing account that  transcends the boundaries of reality.

Greenfield and Phillips  meticulously piece together the story of the Black Lodge, blending  meticulous research, esoteric knowledge, and spine-tingling encounters.  As you immerse yourself in the pages of this book, prepare to be  captivated by tales of uncanny occurrences, cryptic symbols, and the  delicate dance between light and darkness. The authors beckon you to  explore the depths of the unknown, where the ordinary morphs into the  extraordinary and the secrets of the Black Lodge come to light. Discover  a world where myths intertwine with reality and the unimaginable  becomes undeniable.

FIND THE TRUTH…..

When it reads “…meticulously piece together the story of the Black Lodge, blending  meticulous research…” I cringe. The writer in me dies just a little bit.

That said, this is a book that is easily devoured, and any mistakes are just as easily forgiven.

I am a lifelong fan of Greenfield’s work, and being even more obsessed with the idea of the Black Lodge, and the works of Crowley and Lynch, this was a much anticipated book that delivered in every possible way imaginable.

While not for everyone, Secrets of the Real Black Lodge Revealed was certainly for me… and I think it might be for you too. 

My Thoughts on Erotic Liberation: Selected Lectures on Thelema: 2019-2023 by Entelecheia

A few weeks back, the magician who goes by the moniker Entelecheia reached out via Maevius Lynn and offered to send a review copy of his book, Erotic Liberation. I thought, what better time to review this than during the Greater Feast of Thelema’s founder, Aleister Crowley, who died this day, seventy-six years ago.

Before I offer my thoughts, here is how the book is described by the publisher, Lapis Mercurii Productions of Seattle, Washington:

Embark on a journey into the hidden heart of Thelema. Through a series of thought-provoking lectures spanning the years 2019-2023, Entelecheia invites readers to contemplate the sacred depths of themselves and the world they inhabit. Drawing parallels to Hermeticism, Tantra, and Taoism, he emphasizes the erotic nature of Thelema and its potential to lead individuals to self-transcendence. Challenging the notion that the body acts as a barrier between our divine souls and reality, Entelecheia suggests that sexuality, beauty, power, and even our own mortality are potential pathways to religious self-transcendence.

Challenging his readers to face their deepest fears and to discover a vibrating, vital world beyond their imaginations, the courage to fully embrace one’s vulnerability and mortality are essential to Entelecheia’s fresh perspective on Thelema. As you immerse yourself in the pages of this book, you will question the very nature of your own reality. By awakening to experiences of beauty and moments of crisis, the dormant potential within the reader begins to stir, prompting a desire for change and transformation. Erotic Liberation is not another cookbook of occult practices or compendium of occult musings. It is a call to action.

The book is a Print-On-Demand Trade Paperback, just less than 200 pages. It has an attractive cover, legible font, though, production wise, the spine is off center which skews the backcover copy too close to the outside edge. You’ll similarly find that the text of the interior pages hews too closely to the gutter. But that’s all just packaging, the Khu, if you will. We’re more interested in the Khabs — the inner light of knowledge the book promises.

It does not disappoint.

First, let me clarify: I am not a Thelemite. I am, as they say, a petty dabbler of the dark arts, however. I have had a near lifelong obsession with the works of Aleister Crowley since I first read about him in Richard Cavendish’s Man, Myth, & Magic in the early 1970s.

I am well-versed in Thelema. I’ve read nearly all of Crowley’s works, and the works of his students. I have broken bread and taken part in rituals with Thelemites and their adjacent parties. I have waded in the proverbial Current, if you will.

I found Erotic Liberation to be very insightful. It’s a foundational text for 21st Century Thelema, I think. Entelecheia has a sharp intellect and writes with purpose and relevancy. He’s not interested in cosplaying early 20th Century Occultism. He has taken the onion that is Thelema and peeled it to reveal a rich and vibrant system that can expand and grow, by embracing what the forefathers and mothers of Thelema have built, and maintain its relevance for the modern age.

I particularly appreciated his insights into the Magick of Art being the Art of Magick. We are all dreamers and weavers, but through magick, I have always felt, we become a part of the art, from both sides of the equation. Crowley wrote of this expression of genius, of how as we grow spiritually our perceptions change. Entelecheia speaks elegantly on the subject, and that chapter alone, God is an Artist, is well worth the price of admission in and of itself.

There is so much to learn here, so much to digest and incorporate.

Erotic Liberation is a book for Thelema’s future and for those who follow that path, or who long to, but I think it’s an important work for all who study the Western Mystery Tradition.

I am better for having read this book, even if I do not agree with it on every letter. I suspect you will feel the same. I guess you can file this one under “highly recommended”.

Erotic Liberation: Selected Lectures on Thelema 2019-2023 by Entelecheia is available on Amazon.

Fire Walk With Me

“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.

These are a few of my favorite things

“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.

ChatGPT and Me

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.

My Thoughts on @WeiserBooks’ Living Thelema & The Magick of Aleister Crowley

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.

.:.

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

.:.

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 to The Occult Detective

Welcome, sleuths. Pull up a chair and pour yourself a drink. We’ve got plenty to talk about…

New Promotional Poster

My thoughts on @WeiserBooks’ The Big Book of Candle Magic by Jacki Smith

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:

• How to create your own candles
• The basics of crafting your own spells
• How to use basic supplies for everyday magic

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.