Advertise on podcast: Thelema NOW! Crowley, Ritual & Magick

What happens when magical practice forces us to confront beings that don't fit neatly into our spiritual worldview? On this episode of Thelema Now!, host Harper Feist—joined by Frater Acher—dives into the stranger corners of occult practice, exploring his books, the nature of spiritual parasites, and the complex relationships we develop with the spirits we encounter. An accomplished author and practitioner of Western magic, Frater Acher is known for combining historical research with firsthand magical experience. His work spans subjects from the Holy Daimon and Rosicrucian magic to the Olympic Spirits and chthonic sorcery. Through his writing, he challenges conventional assumptions about magic and encourages practitioners to approach the spirit world with curiosity, discernment, and a willingness to question their own expectations. Harper and Frater Acher explore what it actually means to speak of parasites in a magical context. What are we describing when we use that word, and how can we distinguish between helpful, harmful, and simply unfamiliar spiritual relationships? They also discuss working with Mother and Father spirits, the dynamics of these powerful relationships, and what such encounters can reveal about our understanding of ourselves and the unseen world. The conversation also turns to Goêteia.com, Frater Acher's online home for chthonic sorcery, where he shares essays, historical research, practical reflections, and resources for those interested in spirit work. Join Harper Feist and Frater Acher for a wide-ranging exploration of the difficult questions, strange encounters, and unexpected lessons that arise when magic becomes a genuine engagement with the Other.

On this episode of Thelema Now!, host Harper Feist speaks with Italian contemporary witch, Priestess, teacher, and archaeologist Giulia Turolla about witchcraft, ancient religion, and the often-misunderstood world of Ancient Greece. Giulia's work sits at the intersection of scholarship and magical practice. With a background in Classical Letters and Archaeology and Cultures of the Ancient World, she researches ancient magical and religious traditions while practicing witchcraft as an indigenous form of shamanism. Her approach explores the relationship between people, spirits, gods, place, and tradition—and how those connections can inform magical practice today. Harper and Giulia take a wide-ranging look at some of the common misconceptions surrounding Ancient Greek religion and mythology, separating modern assumptions from what historical and archaeological evidence can tell us about the religious and magical lives of ancient people. They also discuss Giulia's book, The Key to Ancient Greek Religion: A Source of Academic Knowledge for Practitioners, which brings contemporary academic research together with the needs of modern practitioners. The conversation explores how scholarship can deepen magical practice without reducing ancient traditions to modern stereotypes—and how practitioners can approach the Gods, spirits, magic, and religious practices of the ancient Mediterranean with greater context and understanding. A fascinating conversation about witchcraft, archaeology, ancient Greek religion, and the sometimes complicated relationship between historical research and modern magical practice. Visit her website at boscodiartemisia.academy/en/

On this episode of Thelema Now!, host Harper Feist speaks with occultist and sorcerer Sef Salem about his decades of magical practice, his approach to group work, and the development of his Star Club Framework. Sef has more than twenty years of experience in personal and group magical practice. After beginning his journey as a Gnostic Mystic, he joined Ordo Templi Orientis in 2010 and soon founded Gentlemen 4 Jupiter. He also helped organize the Occult Conference in Glastonbury and has continued to develop innovative approaches to practical magic through Star Club, a magical training framework that brings practitioners together for study, experimentation, and ritual. Sef and Harper explore the relationship between individual practice and magical community, the challenges and rewards of developing group ritual, and Sef's broader vision for creating spaces where people can learn, experiment, and grow through direct engagement with magic. Sef is also a director of The Visible College, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to learning, development, esoteric practice, and the arts. The Visible College is helping facilitate the 40th Anniversary of the International Thelemic Symposium, taking place September 12, 2026, at the Old Fire Station in Oxford. The day features lectures, workshops, ritual, and performance, bringing together practitioners and scholars from across the Thelemic community. Tickets are still available, so if this conversation sparks your interest in Thelema and contemporary magical practice, there's still time to join Sef and the wider community in Oxford.

On this episode of Thelema Now!, host Harper Feist welcomes author, artist, lecturer, and ceremonial magician Maevius Lynn for a wide-ranging conversation about Thelema, Aleister Crowley, and her new book, The Holy Year of Thelema: A Guide to the Ritual Calendar of Aleister Crowley's Tradition. Lynn's book explores the holy days, rituals, and celebrations that make up the Thelemic ritual year, offering practical ways for modern practitioners to engage with Thelema as a living spiritual tradition. She also shines a light on the often-overlooked women whose contributions helped shape the history of Thelema. Harper and Maevius go beyond the book to discuss Crowley and the ideas at the heart of Thelema, the experience of practicing magic today, and what it is like to navigate the Thelemic community as a woman. The conversation offers a personal and thoughtful look at both the challenges and possibilities of finding one's place within a magical tradition. Tune in for a candid and wide-ranging discussion about Thelema, ritual, community, Crowley, and the continuing evolution of the tradition.

What does it mean to make magic a lived experience rather than an occasional ritual? On this episode of Thelema Now!, host Harper Feist welcomes acclaimed author, teacher, and mystic T. Thorn Coyle for an inspiring conversation about the transformative power of a daily spiritual practice. Drawing from decades of experience as a practitioner, teacher, and author of books including Sigil Magic, By Earth, Flame and Wind, and Evolutionary Witchcraft, Thorn explores how simple, consistent practices can deepen self-knowledge, strengthen magical work, and cultivate resilience in everyday life. Harper and Thorn discuss building sustainable spiritual habits, overcoming obstacles to practice, and how devotion, discipline, and presence can become gateways to profound personal transformation. Whether you're just beginning your magical journey or looking to renew an established practice, this conversation offers practical wisdom and encouragement for integrating the sacred into every day. Join us for an engaging discussion on magic, mindfulness, and the lifelong path of spiritual commitment. Visit Thorn's website at https://thorncoyle.com/.

In this episode of Thelema Now!, host Harper Feist welcomes renowned author, psychologist, and Thelemic scholar Richard Kaczynski to discuss his groundbreaking new book, Mind Over Magick: The Psychology of Ritual Magick, published by Park Street Press. Drawing on decades of research in cognitive neuroscience, social psychology, and the study of consciousness, Richard explores one of the most enduring questions in esotericism: How—and why—does ritual magick work? Rather than reducing magical practice to mere psychology, Mind Over Magick examines how peer-reviewed scientific research can illuminate the transformative effects of ritual, meditation, symbolism, initiation, and altered states of consciousness. Harper and Richard discuss the fascinating intersection of science and spirituality, including the psychology of magical personas, the experience of being "in the zone," the neurological foundations of mystical states, and how practitioners can use empirical insights to strengthen their magical work without losing sight of its mystery. The conversation also touches on Richard's unique perspective as both a lifelong practitioner of Western esotericism and a Ph.D. psychologist. Whether you're a seasoned magician, a student of Thelema, or simply curious about what modern science can tell us about ancient practices, this engaging discussion offers fresh perspectives on the relationship between mind, ritual, and transformation.

On this episode of Thelema Now!, host Harper Feist speaks with author Christian Brunner about his book Alpine Witchery: Austrian Folk Magic, Lore & Spellcraft. Christian shares the story behind the book—what inspired him to explore the rich traditions of Austrian folk magic, and how regional lore, landscape, and cultural memory shaped his work. From mountain spirits to ancestral practices, he offers insight into a living current of witchcraft rooted in place, history, and personal experience. Also - hear about "freezer spells."  The conversation also touches on the importance of preserving folk traditions, translating them for modern practitioners, and finding authentic pathways into magical practice. Tune in for a fascinating look at Alpine magic, storytelling, and the journey of bringing hidden traditions into the light.

On this episode of Thelema Now!, host Harper Feist welcomes Joe Monteleone—described by Huffington Post as a "one-man-band of magical-thinking-made reality." A Tarot master teacher, coach, healer, occult performer, and founder of the Tarot Mysticism Academy, Joe brings decades of experience to a dynamic conversation on the transformative power of the cards. Drawing from his book Tarot Mysticism: The Psycho-Spiritual Technology of the Thoth Tarot, Joe shares insights into his personal tarot journey, the deeper layers of meaning within the Thoth deck, and how tarot functions as a tool for self-knowledge, spiritual development, and practical guidance. Together, they explore what the cards can really tell us, how to build a living relationship with tarot, and the ways this powerful system can enrich every aspect of life—from decision-making to personal evolution. Whether you're a seasoned reader or just beginning your path, this episode offers a compelling look at tarot as both an art and a spiritual technology.

On this episode of Thelema Now, host Harper Feist speaks with Colin Campbell about the remarkable history and ongoing restoration of Boleskine House, the historic residence on the shores of Loch Ness once owned by Aleister Crowley. Colin shares the story of the house—from its place in Thelemic lore to the devastating fires that nearly destroyed it—and the dedicated work now underway to carefully restore the property. He also discusses the broader vision for Boleskine as a cultural and historical site, including community programming, horticultural projects, and events that celebrate the history and landscape of the Scottish Highlands. The conversation also highlights the upcoming grand opening on April 11, when visitors will have the opportunity to see the progress of the restoration and learn more about the future plans for the house and grounds. Join us for a fascinating look at the history, legacy, and renewal of one of the most storied locations connected to Thelema. Visit the website to find out more.

Professional tarot reader, artist, and writer Kristine Gorman joins Soror Amy on Thelema Now to talk about a life dedicated to the tarot and the creative spirit that surrounds it. Known for her bold personality and unique approach to the cards, Kristine spent more than eight years hosting her own FM radio program, The Visionary Woman Tarot Radio Show, where she read tarot live on the air for callers—episodes of which can still be found on Apple Podcasts. She has released her own tarot deck, Visionary Woman Tarot, published by Red Wheel/Weiser.  In this conversation, Kristine shares insights from decades of working with tarot as both a divinatory and self-reflective practice. She reflects on working with her mentor Rachel Pollack's Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom. Join us as we explore tarot, creativity, and the magical current that flows through Kristine's work and life.

On this episode of Thelema Now!, host Harper Feist is joined by author and occult scholar Frater Acher for a deep exploration of his book The Olympic Spirits: Paracelsus' Practice of the Inner Stars, published by Three Hands Press. Frater Acher delves into the enigmatic system of the Olympic Spirits as presented by Paracelsus, unpacking their planetary nature, practical magical applications, and relevance for contemporary practitioners. Moving beyond theory, the conversation explores inner cosmology, visionary practice, and how working with the "inner stars" can become a living, experiential path of initiation. This episode is an illuminating discussion on planetary magic, historical sources, and modern praxis—essential listening for students of Thelema, Renaissance magic, and serious occult work.

On this episode of Thelema Now!, host Harper Feist speaks with Tom Banger, contributor to the new book The Occult Harry Smith: The Magical and Alchemical Work of an Artist of the Extremes, edited by Peter Valente. Tom offers unique insight into the esoteric dimensions of Harry Smith's life and work—exploring his deep engagement with alchemy, hermeticism, and ritual practice. Known for his experimental films, obsessive collecting, and avant-garde mysticism, Smith lived at the crossroads of art, magic, and madness. Tom unpacks how Smith's creative output wasn't just inspired by occult ideas—it was occult work in itself. Tune in as we discuss Smith's magical worldview, his influence on countercultural currents, and why his visionary legacy still challenges and inspires occult thinkers, artists, and practitioners today. (There's also a lot of cool punk rock talk too!!)

On this episode of Thelema Now!, host Harper Feist welcomes musician Ailise Blake for a deep and evocative conversation about creativity, ritual, and the transformative power of sound. Ailise's work merges haunting melodies with esoteric inspiration, crafting sonic landscapes that explore magic, identity, and the sacred in everyday life. Together, they discuss how artistic practice can serve as a path of initiation, the role of intuition in composition, and what it means to bring Thelemic ideas into modern music. Tune in for an inspiring blend of art, philosophy, and the occult — where every note becomes an invocation. Listen to Ailise's music on her website which includes a video.

In this special episode of Thelema Now!, host Harper Feist engages with artist Gast Bouschet, whose haunting, alchemical works blur the boundaries between ritual, landscape, and transformation. Because speaking is physically painful for Bouschet, this episode takes a unique form: a reading of a text conversation that unfolded between Harper and Gast on Instagram. Bouschet's words—brought to life by Frater Acher—reveal deep reflections on art as a living current, the role of resistance and decay in creative process, and the interplay between spirit and matter. Through this intimate exchange, listeners are invited into Bouschet's shadowed yet luminous world, where the borders between the seen and unseen dissolve. To see Gast's work, visit his website or Instragram page.