Down At The Crossroads - Music. Magick. Paganism.

It's election time! Are you a voter? Are you voting? Well, before you decide, you should explore your options by checking out our interview with Joseph Thiebes about the Ordo Templi Orientis, his Aleister Crowley 2012 presidential campaign, and the ideas regarding authority You just might change your mind! In A Corner in the Occult we learn about Major Grady Louis McMurtry aka: Hymenaeus Alpha and find out how important he was to the O.T.O. Later in the show we discuss Sympathetic Magick and how it effects our everyday lives as we look into The Essence of Magick. And we get to hear some great music by our featured artist Ralph Buckley. All this and more, enjoy! Links: Joseph Thiebes, Speech in the Silence, O.T.O., EGC, AC 2012, Life After Service. Featured Artist: Ralph Buckley. Background Music: George Wood, Nada Surf, Linda Holzer, Alexander Falcao, Persian Paladin. Credits: Podsafe Audio, Music Alley.

In this episode we explore magick and creativity as we speak with the mysterious electronic music composer Alka who was kind of enough to come on the show and share his music with us which is featured throughout the episode. In A Corner in the Occult we learn about famous, mystic, poet, artist, and engraver William Blake. Highly influential to artists and occultists, Blake has been a focus for scholars since his death as he continues to fascinate and inspire new generations. We learn about the phrase, “So Mote It Be” in the Essence of Magick. Have you ever considered the phrase itself and what exactly it implies as a practitioner of magick? Find out in this episode! Also during the show, I read listener email, we hear a great track by Donna Lewis and to close we revisit the ideas of Free Will, Magick, and Deity. Do you have free will in regards to your personal religious theology? If so, what does this mean in how you view deity? Find out this and more in this electronic episode! Links: Alka Blog, Hands of C

In this episode we discuss gods and aliens and the ideas surrounding Ancient Astronaut Theory. Do you believe in extra-terrestrials? Do you think they visited and helped ancient human civilizations? Are you a supporter of Ancient Astronaut Theory? If your answer is a resounding YES, then this episode is not for you, because I take a look into some of the propositions made by Ancient Astronaut Theorists and offer my thoughts on the matter which may not jive with you and your alien putty, but do not worry there is always Stonehenge! Later in the episode, I discuss the only alien abduction case I have helped with as a paranormal investigator. Hear the details as I share my diagnosis and methods of addressing the issue in my effort to help a friend. In A Corner in the Occult we learn about Lam, Aleister Crowley’s favorite martian, as well as the Typhonian Order which focuses on working and communication with extra-terrestrial entities, The Great Old Ones, as well as some of the darker aspects of metaphysics. We h

In this episode we have a revealing and compelling conversation with occult author Taylor Ellwood about his new book Magical Identity. How can we apply magic in relation to our identity and how does our identity relate to the practice of magick? In A Corner in the Occult, we learn about 20th century Hermetic teacher Franz Bardon. During his unusual life, the three books he published during his life, Initiation into Hermetics, The Practice of Magical Evocation and The Key to the True Qabbalah are said to be a complete course in magick. In The Essence of Magick we discuss magickal names. Found in many traditions and religions of the world, is the practice of taking on a new name. What is the essence of the magical name in relation to magick and the practitioner? Come and explore this topic with us. I also read listener email and have an announcement to make about the future of the podcast. We also have the pleasure of hearing the new song "Sirens" from our featured artist Olga Nunes, whose new album LAMP will b

In this episode we speak with fellow podcaster Oraia Helene from Between the Earth and Stars and talk about her recent changes with her name, doing her shows, how she balances her scientific side with her magickal side, and to close we discuss her work as a writer and podcaster and have a great time while doing it.  We also speak with Inanna Gabriel from Misanthrope Press regarding the new pagan story anthology Etched Offerings Voices from the Cauldron of Story.  In A Corner in the Occult, we learn about Scientist, Thelemite and 20th century Occultist Jack Parsons who, interestingly enough, has a crater on the moon named after him. Listen and found out why! And later in the show we discuss the Powers of the Sphinx in The Essence of Magick. To know, to dare, to will, to keep silent, and to go are crucial to the developing student of mysticism. Also in the episode we feature a great song from the Philadelphia band Espers an emerging indie band and we close the show with a special musical holiday treat from SCHO

In this episode we look into the history of The Kybalion with author Philip Deslippe, who wrote the extensive introduction for the newly released book The Kybalion, The Definitive Edition. Seemingly shrouded in mystery, The Kybalion has been a popular text for the last one hundred years that and has been a big influence in many people’s lives. In the early episodes of this podcast we went through The Kybalion and the seven hermetic laws that it discusses. In our conversation with Philip Deslippe we learn about some of his recent findings in regards to the text and its author William Walker Atkinson and we wrap up our discussion with Atkinson’s lost book The Seven Cosmic Laws just now appearing in print. In A Corner in the Occult we look into famous American occultist, Tarot expert, and author Paul Foster Case. Not only was Case an initiate of the famous Alpha et Omega and even a Freemason, but he was also the founder of the Builders of the Adytum an Order following in the tradition of the Western Esoter

In this episode we talk about late Llewellyn author Scott Cunningham in A Corner in the Occult. Many Pagans and or Wiccans often find Scott’s books on their journey as Pagans. Many find his books on magick and religion uplifting and at times pertinent to their growing views on life and existence. We also look into the idea of human flourishing and happiness and how to create it in one’s life. Are you happy? Are you flourishing? How would you define and list your values and virtues? Would you say that they are serving you and your life beneficially? Learn about virtue and Eudaimonia and how your life lives up to the teachings of Aristotle and other philosophers. See how some of the new virtue systems found in modern Paganism stand in comparison to a tried and true system which comes from Plato as we find an elementary way to update it for modern use. Later in the show, I read listener email and we look at the history of the five elements in The Essence of Magick. Find out where the five elements of western occ

In this episode we look into the popular issues with conspiracy theories and uncover the truth behind what they are. Is the government really spying us? Do conspiracy theories actually reveal anything significant or is there something deeper and more personal behind their existence in the world? In A Corner in the Occult we visit early 20th century Germany and discuss the Nazis and the issues pertaining to their possible involvement with occultism. Many people like to attribute their rise to power and the events pertaining to the Second World War to their involvement in the occult arts and even demonic influence. We also read some listener email and in The Essence of Magick we talk about visualization and astral projection. Learn why visualization is so important to the magickal arts and learn how to astral project in this episode's installment of this great and informative series! And to close, we finish the episode with a look into the ever present concern and pursuit for world peace. Take a new perspective

In this episode we go on location to talk about Reiki and Yoga with Janet Watkins from Live in Joy Yoga and Wellness in Audubon, NJ. Janet shares with us some of her experiences and insights as a registered Yoga instructor and Reiki Master. We learn about Russian healer, prophet, and monk Grigori Rasputin in A Corner in the Occult. Rasputin was the adviser to the Russian royal family during the turn of the 20th century which was an unusual position of power for someone who wasn’t born of Russian Nobility and it would be this position that would eventually lead to his elaborate and trial some death in 1916. He is often argued by some to have contributed greatly to the fall of the Romanov Dynasty in 1917, which was the last dynasty to rule over Russian. We speak with local musician Robin Renee who describes herself as being a Mantra-Pop recording artist, a wayward poet, an obsessive fangirl, and writes from the intersection of music, eros, and the Divine. We also feature several of her songs in during the show,

In this episode we dissect and learn about the contemporary pagan religion known of as Wicca. We speculate about some of its primary roots and influences and go into more depth than most books on subject ever seem to go. Find out what makes Wicca what it is and what makes a Wiccan a Wiccan in this break down of the religion of Wicca. We learn about Doreen Valiente in this episode's edition of A Corner in the Occult. The famed Mother of Modern Witchcraft played a crucial role in the existence and development of Wicca throughout the entirety of the twentieth century. Doreen was one of Gerald Gardner's early High Priestesses and later authored of several well respected texts on witchcraft and became the Patron of the Center for Pagan Studies in 1995. In the Essence of Magick we look into the idea, practice, and significance of ritual initiation and the role it plays in groups and in religions such as Wicca. We even discuss the idea behind the popular modern Wiccan practice of self-initiation and looking into the

In the latest episode of The Infinite and the Beyond, we welcome back author Lon Milo DuQuette and talk about the rerelease of his Tarot of Ceremonial Magick and his new book Low Magick: It’s all in your head… You just have no idea how big your head is and we touch upon some of what he mentions in it; like his discomfort with the ideas of low and high magick, his concept of The Great G, pop goes Ganesha, and the celebrating of Christmas as a non-Christian. We discuss my appearance on Beyond the Threshold with Gary Blackheart that occurred back in November. Gary took me beyond the threshold and we discussed some touchy and often difficult issues that I have mentioned in the past on this podcast. I elaborate on my crisis of faith and come to some refreshing conclusions. In A Corner in the Occult we learn about The Book of the Sacred Magic of Abramelin the Mage and ceremonial goal of one attaining Knowledge and Conversation with their Holy Guardian Angel. The most familiar edition of the book was translated in

In the latest episode of The Infinite and the Beyond, we speak to Parapsychologist Loyd Auerbach about his experiences as a paranormal investigator. Loyd runs the Office of Paranormal Investigations out in California and has been consulted and featured on many shows dealing with hauntings and the paranormal. Loyd talks to us about being a parapsychologist, ghosts, educational opportunities, investigating, and we even discuss some of the current television shows that depict paranormal investigation. I share some of my own personal ghost stories, one of which occurred when I was very young and the other when I was much older. My interest in the paranormal started from this very early experience as a child; while the other experience taught me that you never know when you're being watched and by whom. We learn about famous escape artist and medium debunker Harry Houdini in A Corner in the Occult. Can you untie knots with your toes? Houdini could! Learn about this famous magician, his battle with the spiritualist

In this episode we talk with fellow podcaster and author Jeva Singh-Anand about his new book Bedtime Stories for the Faint of Heart. Jeva is the host of the Lance and Graal podcast and Professor Zarnoff’s Channel on YouTube. We also discuss his background as a former Christian Fundamentalist and what happened to cause him to move away from it. I go back to lodge after a year of staying away from it and I share my experiences about that return. We learn about 16th century heresy in this episode’s edition of A Corner in the Occult as we learn about Father Giordano Bruno. I read a single listener message to a nostalgic pagan podcaster music track. I also announce a contest for this episode. We start The Essence of Magick Series by looking into “Belief and Magick.” How much does belief really play into the practice and effect of magick and how does one apply their will to their magick and how do such acts differ from mundane acts which may be of a similar context and nature. We hear a great music track from Tenpe

If you hadn’t guessed, in this episode we discuss the Ego, ergo the name of this episode, and we discuss these issues with famous occult author and musician Lon Milo DuQuette along with his forth coming book on Low Magick: It's All In Your Head ... You Just Have No Idea How Big Your Head Is. We wrap up our journey through the Kybalion. I announce a new show segment series for the podast. I read listener email. We learn about Henri Cornelius Agrippa in A Corner in the Occult. We go on location is Eastern Pennsylvania to learn about some of the local wildlife. We find out which lucky listener won a copy of Dr. Dean Radin’s book Entangled Minds. And we have a great time doing it! Links: Lon Milo DuQuette, MagiQuest, Funplex, Quantum Entanglement and DNA,  Sweet Babalon (Video), White Album (CD), Low Magick (New Book), Title Goes Here:, Misanthrope Press, ChrisOrapello.com, Proud Pagan Podcasters,  Music: George Wood, Carly Simon, Blackmore's Night, Los Lobos, Alexandre Falcao, Linda Holzer, Guy David, Persian

In this episode we learn about the legendary French alchemist Nicolas Flamel in A Corner in the Occult. I read some of the listener messages that I received since the last episode. We talk with author and parapsychologist Dr. Dean Radin, senior scientist at The Institute of Noetic Sciences and author of Entangled Minds, Extrasensory experiences in a Quantum Reality. During the course of the interview we talk about the Global Consciousness Project, discuss his experiences as a research scientist and finally how his findings relate to the art and practice of magick. I also announced a contest which will occur in the next episode so be sure to enter if you are interested in participating. All this and more in this great episode, blessed be and 93! Links: Dean Radin, Entangled Minds: Dean Radin's Blog, Global Consciousness Project, Jonathan Goodman, Global Brain Painting, Institute of Noetic Sciences, IONS: PSI Games, The Alchemy Website, Jungian Podcast, Title Goes Here:, ChrisOrapello.com, Proud Pagan Podcaste

We look into Bohemianism and its similarities to modern paganism. We discuss absinthe the famous mythic bohemian drink, along with its brief history, how to prepare it, enjoy it, and how to buy it. We learn about famous author, psychic, medium, and magickian Dion Fortune in A Corner in the Occult. We explore the Principle of Gender in our journey through the Kybalion. We memorialize the recent passing of Peter Steele from the band Type O Negative and we hear a song from them as well. We read some of the listener email that has come in since the last episode. We play some great music and see which two lucky listeners will win copies of Stacey Fitzpatrick’s album Forever More. To close we talk about Gender and Deity and look into the issues that they reveal about modern paganism. And more in this fun episode! Links: The Wormwood Society, Philadelphia Distilling Company, Delaware Phoenix, Pacific Distillery, St. George Spirits, Gnostalgic Spirits, Ltd., The Absinthe Museum, The Society of Inner Light, Stacey Fi

We bring Pagan Pride Day into the studio as we learn about bloodlines, genetics, and the Goddess and the Grail with local Foundation teacher Ken Neuhauser. In A Corner in the Occult we learn about Madame Helena Blavatsky and the Theosophical Society. I play a song I’ve been wanting to play since the beginning of the podcast as well as more music by singer songwriter Stacey Fitzpatrick whom we met in the previous episode. And later in the show we find out which two lucky winners win the first two copies of Stacey Fitzpatrick’s album Forever More. All this and more in this informative and fun episode! Lecture Bibliography: The Nag Hammadi Library, Rosslyn- Guardian Of The Secrets Of The Holy Grail by Tim and Marilyn Hopkins Wallace-Murphy, The Secret Tradition in Arthurian Legend by Gareth Knight, Holy Blood, Holy Grail by Michael Baigent, Richard Leigh, and Henry Lincoln Links: Stacey Fitzpatrick, Foundation Capstone, Ken Neuhauser, White Dog Cafe, Theosophical Society in America, Title Goes Here:, ChrisOra

In this coincidental episode we explore the Principle of Cause and Effect as we continue with our journey through The Kybalion. We talk with South Jersey singer songwriter Stacey Fitzpatrick and I play some of her music during the episode. In A Corner in the Occult we learn about influential Swiss Psychiatrist Carl Gustav Jung and his ideas of the Archetype, the Collective Unconscious, and Synchronicity. I read listener email. We find out who won the resin pentacle wall plaque from Episode 10 and I announce the music CD contest for episode 12! We talk with local High Priest PanOrpheus about divination and his upcoming workshop at the Ecumenicon Interfaith Conference occurring at the end of March in Potomac, Maryland. To close, I try and make sense of all this crazy stuff. Enjoy! Links: Stacey Fitzpatrick, PanOrpheus, Ecumenicon Interfaith Conference, Thanissaro Bhikku, Audio Dharma,  Music: George Wood, Maserati, Ann Sweeten, Guy David, Alexandre Falcao, Linda Holzer, Ted Tunes, Persian Paladin, Featured

In this extra long landmark episode we talk about death, the greatest rite of passage of them all by addressing its meaning and reality as well as how it affects the meaning of life. We talk to Ray Sette about being a Psychic Astrologer. We learn about Dr. John Dee, Sir Edward Kelley, and Enochian Magic in A Corner in the Occult. I read listener email. We find out which two lucky listeners won the goathead wall plaques from Episode #008. I share some personal stories regarding my experiences with death and medical cadavers. And to close we discuss Necromancy and Electronic Voice Phenomena. Links: Ray Sette Psychic Astrologer, Association TransCommunication, Krampus, Mid-Atlantic Paranormal Research, American Express Commerical Music: George Wood, Blue Oyster Cult, ASCIAN, Dragon Ritual Drummers, All India Radio, Guy David, Alexandre Falcao, Linda Holzer, Ted Tunes, Persian Paladin Featured Music: Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Portishead Promos: Inciting A Riot, Lance and Graal, Witchery of One, Spirits

In this episode, we show our pride by revisiting South Jersey Pagan Pride Day, which occurred back on October 11th, 2009. We learn that pagan pride has nothing to do with joining a biker gang. We speak with Henry Buchy, a Feri Initiate and Teacher. We learn about Gerald Gardner in A Corner in the Occult. We speak with South Jersey Pagan Pride secretary Janet Mays. We read listener letters. And to close I sit back down with Amie Tolomeo who we spoke with in episode seven.   Links: Autism NJ, Covenant of Rhiannon, The Folklore Society, The Pagan Pride Project, Podcast Awards, Society for Psychical Research, South Jersey Pagan Pride, Sun and Moon Metaphysical Shoppe, The Zaracon Show   Music: George Wood, Anthony Burbidge, 3vrn3n, Alexandre Falcao, Briareus, Linda Holzer, Ted Tunes, Persian Paladin   Pagan Podcasting Workshop: About Pagan Podcasting (pdf), A Listing of Some Popular Pagan Podcasts (pdf), Create Your Own Show (pdf)   Promos: The Wigglian Way, Media Astra Ac Terra, Druid Cast, Lakefront Pagan Voi