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Welcome back to Exploration Arcanum. Today I'm joined by Angel Millar and Lua Astor. In his writing, Angel draws on mythology, symbolism, and art to explore mysticism, identity, and human behavior. Lua is the founder and High Priestess of the Order Specula, and has spent over a decade devoted to Chaos Magic and creating original occult systems.In this episode, we discuss initiation, mythology, and the ethics of magical practice, along with Angel’s new book, Supernatural Woman and the Male Initiate: Bonded through Dreams.Thank you to Angel and Lua for coming on the show. You’ll find links to their work and social media in the description below.If you enjoy this episode, please like and subscribe to Exploration Arcanum for more esoteric conversations. You can also support the show by becoming a channel member or subscribing on Substack and Patreon. Angel's Linkshttps://angelmillar.com/https://www.innertraditions.com/author/angel-millarhttps://www.instagram.com/angel.millar_author/https://www.instagram.com/angel_millar_creative/Lua's Linkshttps://www.luaastor.com/https://www.instagram.com/luavalentiahttps://www.lulu.com/spotlight/luavalentiaShop our Bookshop.org store and support Exploration Arcanum: https://bookshop.org/shop/ExplorationArcanum

Today I'm joined by Lua Astor, founder and High Priestess of the Order Specula and author of Advanced Chaos Magic. In this episode, we discuss Chaos Magic, aesthetics, archetypes, and AI in magical practice.Thank you to Lua for coming on the show. You’ll find links to her work and social media in the description below.If you enjoy this episode, please like and subscribe to Exploration Arcanum for more esoteric conversations. You can also support the show by becoming a channel member or subscribing on Substack and Patreon. Thank you.Lua's Linkshttps://www.luaastor.com/https://www.instagram.com/luavalentiahttps://www.lulu.com/spotlight/luavalentiaShop our Bookshop.org store and support Exploration Arcanum: https://bookshop.org/shop/ExplorationArcanum

In this episode of Exploration Arcanum, I'm joined by Kenneth Freeman II, author of Devotional Witchcraft. In this episode, Kenneth shares his journey from Christianity to polytheism and explains why respecting gods as individuals—and honoring cultural roots—is central to his practice. We also discuss ancestral trauma, balancing spiritual traditions, and maintaining personal sovereignty, along with practical exercises for beginning or deepening your devotional practice and establishing meaningful relationships with deities. Shop our Bookshop.org store and support Exploration Arcanum: https://bookshop.org/shop/ExplorationArcanumKenneth Freeman II's Links:https://thedevotionalwitch.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedevotionalwitch/https://theholyrose.com/events October 17th - Book Signing at The Holy Rose in Raleigh, NCOctober 24th - Book Signing at Curio, Craft, & Conjure in Charlotte NC: https://curiocharlotte.com/products/author-book-signing-with-kenneth-freeman-ii-for-devotional-witchcraft-saturday-10-24-at-2pm?variant=49674326507748

What Happens When You Start Working With Hekate? | Viv ScarletStarIn this episode of Exploration Arcanum, Viv ScarletStar shares her spiritual journey from childhood curiosity about the occult to practicing Wicca, demonolatry, and Thelema.We also discuss her relationship with Hekate, the meaning of True Will, and how ritual and archetypes can support personal transformation.Links to Viv’s social media: https://linktr.ee/vivscarletstarShop our Bookshop.org store and support Exploration Arcanum: https://bookshop.org/shop/ExplorationArcanum

Welcome back to Exploration Arcanum.My guests today are Popi Mavros and Scarlett Amaris. Popi is co-owner of The Crooked Path, an occult apothecary in Burbank, California, and creator of the Planetary Magick app. Scarlett is a screenwriter, author, and speaker whose work spans horror and occult studies. Today, we’ll explore Hekate, the significance of the dark moons, and how their new Hekatean Witches Almanac and Book of Shadows can help make personal spiritual practice accessible and sustainable.I want to thank Popi and Scarlett for coming on the show. I’ll put links to their work and websites in the description below. If you enjoy this episode, please give it a like and subscribe to Exploration Arcanum for more esoteric conversations. You can also support the podcast by becoming a channel member or subscribing on Patreon and Substack. Thank you.Shop our Bookshop.org store and support Exploration Arcanum: https://bookshop.org/shop/ExplorationArcanumLinkshttps://scarlettamaris.com/https://www.thecrookedpathshop.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarlettamaris/https://www.instagram.com/thecrookedpath_la/Substack: scarlettamaris.substack.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ScarlettAmarisThe link to the books: https://www.thecrookedpathshop.com/shop/new-arrivals/17Upcoming Events Inner Realms Through the Seven Gates And Interactive Journey with Inanna, October 2nd at The Crooked Path: https://www.thecrookedpathshop.com/product/oct-2-7pm-inner-realms-through-the-seven-gates/LBVZHVHE2BUZS5TZSQGXIWP3?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=2The Sovereign Crown: A Samhain Initiation in Joshua Tree, October 29=31: https://www.magical-retreats.com/thesovereigncrownA Lilith Intensive Workshop in Santa Cruz, January 16th https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lilith-intensive-workshop-presentation-by-scarlett-amaris-tickets-2001073673224?aff=oddtdtcreatorHeliopolis Sanctum II, Occitania, France, June 16-23 https://www.magical-retreats.com/heliopolis-sanctum

How Close Is AGI, and Who Should Control It? Dr. Ben GoertzelWhat happens when AI moves beyond specialized tasks toward general intelligence—and eventually superintelligence?SingularityNet founder Dr. Ben Goertzel joins us to explore how artificial general intelligence (AGI) could reshape society and humanity’s future. We discuss the differences between AI, AGI, and superintelligence; how recursive self-improvement could accelerate AI development; and why Ben argues that decentralization and transparency matter for AI safety.The conversation also explores AI consciousness, the influence of governments and corporations, and the possibilities and risks of transhumanism—from brain-computer interfaces to mind uploading and digital immortality.Ben Goertzel's Links:https://singularitynet.io/https://goertzel.org/https://x.com/bengoertzelShop our Bookshop.org store and support Exploration Arcanum: https://bookshop.org/shop/ExplorationArcanum

Should We Fear AI? | Tom Ross Today, I’m joined by author, futurist, and former presidential candidate Tom Ross. In this episode, we discuss his AI-driven presidential campaign, transhumanism, AI rights, esoteric practices—including shadow work — and whether artificial intelligence will one day awaken and become a partner in humanity’s evolution. I want to thank Tom for coming on the show, and I’ll put links to his website in the description below. Before we begin, if you enjoy this episode, please give it a like and subscribe to Exploration Arcanum for more esoteric conversations. Thank you. Original article: Meet the Long-Shot Candidate Letting AI Run His Campaign: https://decrypt.co/243023/thomas-ross-ai-campaign Shop our Bookshop.org store and support Exploration Arcanum: https://bookshop.org/shop/ExplorationArcanum Tom Ross' links:tomross.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/tomrosscom/ Medium https://tomrosscom.medium.com/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/tomrossagency

Can Christianity and witchcraft coexist?Author, teacher, and minister Sara Raztresen joins Exploration Arcanum to explore Christian witchcraft, mysticism, folk magic, tarot, and the long history of magical practices within Christianity.We discuss the line between magic and miracles, the esoteric roots of Christian rituals, Christian Wicca, egregores and spiritual entities, angel and goetic magic, and why some practitioners are leaving the occult for mainstream Christianity.Sara also shares practical advice for those interested in exploring Christian mysticism and spiritual communication.Sara's Links: https://linktr.ee/SRazzie97Shop our Bookshop.org store and support Exploration Arcanum: https://bookshop.org/shop/ExplorationArcanumCHAPTERS00:00–04:03 Introduction and Sara's background in the occult04:04–06:50 Esoteric connections in Christian rituals and symbolism06:51–10:02 Magic, miracles, and Christianity10:03–12:49 Tarot as a spiritual tool12:50–14:14 Leaving the occult for mainstream Christianity14:15–17:31 Anti-pagan sentiment in the U.S.17:32–20:37 Christian Wicca20:38–23:29 Folk magic, hoodoo, and syncretism23:30–26:47 Sara's ministry and community work26:48–30:23 The Holy Sword and spiritual discipline30:24–34:33 Egregores and spiritual entities34:34–36:38 Communicating with deities and entities36:39–40:22 Exploring gods and spirits40:23–44:55 Science, magic, and experimentation44:56–46:53 Sara's fantasy books and spiritual themes46:54–48:55 Angel magic and goetic magic48:56–49:05 Spirits, demons, and their interactions49:06–50:51 Getting started with Christian witchcraft50:52–51:04 Practical steps for Christian mysticism51:05–End Closing remarks and where to follow Sara Raztresen

Why Millions Are Turning to Santa Muerte | Dr. Andrew ChesnutIn this episode of Exploration Arcanum, Dr. Andrew Chesnut joins Jason Nelson to explore Santa Muerte through the lenses of folk religion, Latin American spirituality, religious studies, cultural anthropology, and academia—and explain how the controversial Mexican folk saint became one of the world’s fastest-growing global religious movements.Shop our guests and support Exploration Arcanum https://bookshop.org/shop/ExplorationArcanumDr. Andrew Chesnut's Links:Socials:https://www.instagram.com/drdeathanddivinity/https://x.com/AndrewChesnut1https://www.facebook.com/andrew.chesnut.3/https://bsky.app/profile/drdeathanddivinity.bsky.socialAcademia:https://vcu.academia.edu/AndrewChesnuthttps://globalreligions.vcu.edu/directory/chesnut.htmlBlogs:https://www.patheos.com/blogs/theglobalcatholicreview/https://skeletonsaint.com/Chapters:0:00–0:37 — Intro0:38–5:29 — How Dr. Chesnut first became interested in Santa Muerte5:30–8:16 — Balancing academic rigor with empathy for devotees8:17–11:32 — Pushback and criticism from different audiences11:33–14:32 — Why people outside the drug-war context venerate Santa Muerte14:33–17:30 — Santa Muerte’s growing presence in culture, games, and retail17:31–20:01 — How fentanyl changed the narco landscape20:02–24:13 — How social media spread Santa Muerte devotion internationally24:14–26:34 — Why Santa Muerte resonates in the UK and Western Europe26:35–29:28 — Santa Muerte, baby Jesus, and World Cup rituals29:29–34:38 — Is Santa Muerte a universal archetype?34:39–39:09 — How the Mexican government’s position has changed39:10–42:14 — Los Angeles as a spiritual and occult hub42:15–End — Dr. Chesnut’s book, future formats, and where to follow him

My guest today is astrologer and podcast host Erin Redwing.In our conversation, we discuss Erin’s background in astronomy and how it led her into the worlds of astrology, the esoteric, and Bitcoin. We also explore the mythology surrounding Bitcoin's creator Satoshi Nakamoto, Bitcoin’s birth chart, the possibility of AI consciousness, and what ancient stories like Atlantis and the Tower of Babel can teach us about technological ambition.I want to thank Erin for coming on the show. I’ll include links to her website and social media in the description below. If you enjoy this episode, please give it a like and subscribe to Exploration Arcanum on YouTube and Spotify for more esoteric conversations.Shop our Bookshop.org store and support Exploration Arcanum: https://bookshop.org/shop/ExplorationArcanumErin Redwing's links:https://www.erinredwing.com/ https://x.com/realizingerin https://www.tiktok.com/@UCmZJrWmSm3ralB4-Wn1NRhQ The Hell Money Podcast: https://hell.money/ https://www.youtube.com/realizingerin

My guest today is Ronnie Pontiac, author, astrologer, musician, researcher, and former assistant to Manly P Hall. In this episode, we explore the hidden occult history of Los Angeles and how the city became one of the world's great centers of mystical thought. From Madame Helena Blavatsky and the influence of Theosophy to Manly P. Hall and the Philosophical Research Society and the counter-culture of the 1960s, Ronnie traces the people, places, and movements that transformed Los Angeles into a magnet for spiritual seekers and occult organizations. Links Shop our Bookshop.org store and support Exploration Arcanum: https://bookshop.org/shop/ExplorationArcanum Ronnie Pontiac Links Philosophical Research Society Series on Yesterday LA: https://www.prs.org/yesterdayla.html A Presentation on Occult LA with Ronnie Pontiac (July 26 at 7pm) https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-presentation-on-occult-la-with-ronnie-pontiac-tickets-1989752907509 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theronniepontiac/Substack: https://substack.com/@ronniepontiac

Welcome back to Exploration Arcanum. My guest today is author, musician, and teacher Lon Milo DuQuette. In this episode, DuQuette shares his lifelong journey into the occult, the evolution of Thelema and ceremonial magic, and insights into Aleister Crowley's influence on culture and the occult. He also discusses his new book Young Aleister Crowley and the Magicians’ Revolt. I want to thank Lon for coming on the show. I'll put links to his work in the description below. If you enjoy this episode, please give it a like and share it with your friends, and don't forget to subscribe to Exploration Arcanum here on YouTube, Spotify, and Substack. Thank you. Lon Milo DuQuette's links:https://www.lonmiloduquette.net/https://www.instagram.com/lon.duquette/https://lonmiloduquette.substack.com/Subscribe to Exploration Arcanum on Substack: https://explorationarcanum.substack.com/Shop our guests and support Exploration Arcanum: https://bookshop.org/shop/ExplorationArcanum

Welcome back to Exploration Arcanum. My name is Jason. My guest today is Scarlett Amaris, an occultist, author, music video director, and screenwriter of the 2019 film adaptation of H.P. Lovecraft's Color Out of Space. In this episode, we explore Scarlett's journey into the occult, why Lovecraft's work continues to resonate with horror fans, the mysterious nature of egregores and thoughtforms, and what it means to build a relationship with deities like Hecate. We also discuss the unique spiritual character of Los Angeles. I'll put links to all of Scarlett's work and social media in the description below. Thank you. Scarlett's links https://scarlettamaris.com/ https://www.instagram.com/scarlettamaris/ https://scarlettamaris.substack.com/ Upcoming Events --- https://www.magical-retreats.com/thesovereigncrown Support Exploration Arcanum by shopping our guests' books https://bookshop.org/shop/ExplorationArcanum

My guest today is Dr. Angela Puca, a scholar of Western esotericism whose work bridges the worlds of academia and modern magical practice. With a background in philosophy and religious studies, she has become one of the leading voices making the academic study of the occult accessible to a wider audience.In this episode, we discuss what it means to study the occult academically, how scholars research magical traditions, and where someone should begin if they want to follow a similar path. We also explore the true origins of the term Left-Hand Path, the resurgence of modern esotericism, and artificial intelligence's place in the future of magical practice.I want to thank Dr. Puca for coming on the show. I'll put links to her website and social media in the description below. If you enjoy this episode, please give it a like and subscribe to Exploration Arcanum on YouTube and Spotify for more esoteric conversations.Thank youSupport Exploration Arcanum and our guests at Bookshop Storefront https://bookshop.org/shop/ExplorationArcanumDr. Angela Puca’s Linkshttps://drangelapuca.com/https://drangelapuca.com/courseshttps://www.instagram.com/drangelapuca/https://www.tiktok.com/@drangelapucahttps://www.youtube.com/@drangelapuca

Welcome back to Exploration Arcanum. My guest today is Shira Chess, a media scholar, professor at the University of Georgia, and author of the new book The Unseen Internet. In this episode, we explore the connections between technology and the occult, from techno-paganism and meme magic to artificial intelligence, and discuss why every new technological revolution seems to give rise to new forms of belief. I'll put links to all of Shira's work and social media in the description below. If you enjoy this episode, please give it a like and subscribe to Exploration Arcanum here on YouTube. You can also find the show on Spotify, so be sure to follow us there as well for more esoteric conversations. Thank you. Shira Chess' links https://unseeninternet.substack.com/ https://grady.uga.edu/faculty/shira-chess/https://www.instagram.com/shirachess/ https://mitpress.mit.edu/author/shira-chess-2026/Follow Exploration Arcanum on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4pAHz5zengxeOp4jaCHdRs?si=a29d348f4b6c4703 Shop our guests and support Exploration Arcanum: https://bookshop.org/shop/ExplorationArcanum