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The superlative Ike Baker interviews me about two of my newer books: Peregrine: Crossing Spiritual Boundaries to Find a New Home, An Essay, and The Silent Call of the Heart: A Testimony of Spiritual Awakening. Our conversation focuses on these two new books, which are closely related but distinct in tone: one more comparative and outward looking, the other more personal and inward looking. We cover comparisons between Eastern and Western spiritual traditions, the meaning of pilgrimage, and the idea that different practices may lead to similar experiences of realization. Another major theme we discuss is the role of the teacher in spiritual practice, and the argument that an authentic teacher is needed to recognize enlightenment and divinity, not merely to learn techniques. Our discussion also covers honesty about suffering, weakness, and spiritual bypassing, as well as ways of responding to nihilism. https://ikebaker.com/ https://gregkaminsky.net/ Peregrine: Crossing Spiritual Boundaries to Find a New Home - https://a.co/d/0ddZp6cN The Silent Call of the Heart: A Testimony of Spiritual Awakening - https://a.co/d/0hNMIwZa My latest book, Linguistic Traces of the Ineffable, is also available now on Amazon.com.

Georgina Rose — polytheist, ceremonial magician, and Thelemite, and author of Planetary Theurgy: Ascent Through the Seven Veils — joins me to talk about what it actually means to have a spiritual path with a trajectory, rather than a vague collection of borrowed practices. We get into her rejection of psychologized, watered-down approaches to magic, her critique of New Age spirituality's shallow eclecticism, and why she believes discipline and even transgression are essential to real gnosis rather than obstacles to it. This was an excellent conversation and I confidently recommend Georgina Rose's work. She is a qualified guide with a solid approach to the magical path and the courage to speak it. For extended conversations like this one, ad-free episodes, and more, support the show at https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality/. Planetary Theurgy: Ascent Through the Seven Veils by Georgina Rose - https://a.co/d/0fYFGksj Da'at Darling / Georgina Rose Substack - https://daatdarling.substack.com/ Da'at Darling YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@DaatDarling https://occultofpersonality.net/ https://gregkaminsky.net/

The one and only Jaime Paul Lamb joins us to discuss his wonderful book The Astrological Goetia: The 72 Keys to Angelic and Demonic Astrology (Inner Traditions, 2025). This was an amazing interview with an exceptional practitioner. Enjoy! This is the full interview. Please support the podcast by subscribing to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/c/occultofpersonality or our members' website at https://chamberofreflection.com for exclusive content, extra interviews, and more! Jaime's website - https://www.jaimepaullamb.com/ The Astrological Goetia - https://a.co/d/09L2nUyp My new website - https://gregkaminsky.net/

In this episode of Occult of Personality podcast, we have an absolutely epic interview with author, Hermetic practitioner, and meditation specialist Martin Faulks (https://martinfaulks.co.uk/) about Freemasonry, alchemy, meditation, the human subtle body, Tantra, and  the book Long Livers: with the Rare Secret of Rejuvenescency, published by Lewis Masonic (https://www.lewismasonic.co.uk/long-livers.htm). I've been anticipating and preparing for this conversation with Martin for years. It's a huge blessing that it's finally come to fruition! And if you enjoy this interview with Martin Faulks, like I did, be sure to catch the second half of our epic conversation at https://chamberofreflection.com or the Occult of Personality Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality. Thank you so much for supporting the show and enjoy!   Greg Kaminsky Linktree – https://www.linktr.ee/brothergreg Occult of Personality – https://open.spotify.com/show/1dioFRsV25Hj3SDKR3dDmx Chamber of Reflection (Occult of Personality membership section) – https://chamberofreflection.com Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality email – [email protected] Telegram - https://t.me/occultofpersonality YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OccultofPersonality

Today's guest is Cyrus Ryan, author and teacher of the Northern Esoteric School of Wisdom. Cyrus has led quite an interesting life and has a lot to say about the esoteric path that is worth your time. Enjoy! Cyrus Ryan is the author of Living on the Inner Edge: A Practical Esoteric Tale (https://a.co/d/h1A4JBF) and the recently released Esoteric Writings: Teachings for the Aquarian the Age (https://a.co/d/hwIIFZj). "Creativity and spiritual experiences have marked Cyrus's life since a young age. In Cyrus' book he talks about his experiences as part of a Toronto based Esoteric Group for 30+ years. Cyrus spent time in India and Tibet, where he gained insights into the practices of Esoteric Buddhism. In addition to his books, Cyrus is also the Director of the Northern Esoteric School of Wisdom, which is a synthesis of varying esoteric traditions with an emphasis on esoteric meditation, group work and service." You can find Cyrus' school's website at https://www.northernschoolofesotericwisdom.com/ Greg Kaminsky Linktree – https://www.linktr.ee/brothergreg Occult of Personality – https://open.spotify.com/show/1dioFRsV25Hj3SDKR3dDmx Chamber of Reflection (Occult of Personality membership section) – https://chamberofreflection.com Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality email – [email protected] Telegram - https://t.me/occultofpersonality YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OccultofPersonality

Ike Baker of ARCANVM Podcast joins us to talk about his work, including traveling to Egypt, his presentations, podcast, and books. Ike Baker is one of the most prolific and important voices in Western esotericism. I have respect and admiration for what this man does and is. He is, in my personal opinion, one of the most accurate and accessible authors / presenters of topics in the realm of Western esotericism. I also highly recommend Baker's first book, A Formless Fire as perhaps the single best tome about Western esotericism that I've ever read.  I also owe Ike an apology because, due to my own negligence, I'm posting this interview many months after I'd intended to do so. I am sorry for that and also grateful to offer you this wonderful conversation, better late than never.  https://ikebaker.com/ Ike Baker's ARCANVM Podcast on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHRO82-ZxrsLmvupn8VkZG4Tj2xhSbtIH ARCANVM Podcast on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1gLl4Nu0yBfSVtggiDAPK2?si=cf668b763d064b5d A Formless Fire: Rediscovering the Magical Traditions of the West by Ike Baker - https://a.co/d/g4FsVnz Ætheric Magic: A Complete System of Elemental, Celestial & Alchemical Magic by Ike Baker - https://a.co/d/iYbMerL Brief summary: In this episode, I converse with Ike Baker, a prominent figure in Western esotericism, discussing his contributions as an author and educator, and his high-quality podcast. We explore his transformative experiences in Egypt and his role in the Hermopolis symposium on Graeco-Egyptian Theurgy. Ike emphasizes the significance of community in the initiatory process and presents Western esotericism as a movement connecting consciousness and the cosmos. He shares his passion for esotericism and its potential for personal and collective healing, while highlighting his upcoming workshops, excursions, and publications. This dialogue invites listeners to engage with the deeper aspects of esoteric traditions. Greg Kaminsky Linktree – https://www.linktr.ee/brothergreg Occult of Personality podcast– https://open.spotify.com/show/1dioFRsV25Hj3SDKR3dDmx Chamber of Reflection (Occult of Personality membership section) – https://chamberofreflection.com Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality email – [email protected] Telegram - https://t.me/occultofpersonality YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OccultofPersonality

Healer, mage, and author Benton Ryer joins us to discuss his esoteric healing work through his practice of esoteric Shinto Japanese religion. This was an absolutely fascinating conversation! During the interview, Benton performed a healing prayer. Based on my own experience, I have no issue recommending it to you. Enjoy! You can find Benton's YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXtYQzqzVXE1m6PsBSm_oJQ Greg Kaminsky Linktree – https://www.linktr.ee/brothergreg Occult of Personality – https://open.spotify.com/show/1dioFRsV25Hj3SDKR3dDmx Chamber of Reflection (Occult of Personality membership section) – https://chamberofreflection.com Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality email – [email protected] Telegram - https://t.me/occultofpersonality YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OccultofPersonality

This is the second part of a two-part interview with Aki Cederberg about his brilliant book, Holy Europe (https://arcanaeuropamedia.com/products/holy-europe). You can find Aki online at https://www.akicederberg.com/. In this portion, we touch upon the correlation between the world-tree and the central channel of the human subtle body, the nature of paganism as religion, and talk more about Aki's wonderful book and future projects. Enjoy! Greg Kaminsky Linktree – https://www.linktr.ee/brothergreg Chamber of Reflection (Occult of Personality membership section) – https://chamberofreflection.com Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality email – [email protected] Telegram - https://t.me/occultofpersonality YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OccultofPersonality

Welcome to Occult of Personality podcast, now, in episode number 231, I’m thrilled to bring you a brilliant interview with author Aki Cederberg about his recent book, Holy Europe (https://arcanaeuropamedia.com/products/holy-europe). You can find Aki online at https://www.akicederberg.com/. “Part travelogue, part memoir, and part spiritual autobiography, Holy Europe is the story of one man’s quest in search of the holiness that still abides in the land of his birth: in sacrificial groves and grottoes, sacred trees and ancient monuments, runestones, and inspired works of art and architecture created by the visionaries of recent centuries. These are the reservoirs of an age-old tradition of holiness that could rejuvenate European culture, opening the hearts and enlivening the spirits of her wayward sons and daughters.” I am really quite impressed by Cederberg’s work in Holy Europe. Through his travels and writing, he has delivered a spellbinding tome that documents his pilgrimage to pre-Christian holy sites. This activity serves as a way to recollect, remember, perhaps resurrect even, the traditional spirituality and religion of Europe prior to the advent of Christianity. Most of all, I was touched by Cederberg’s sincere spirituality and efforts to cultivate moments of sacred participation through offering, prayer, sacrifice, and presence. He records these sublime moments in the book and allows readers to share in the beauty and sacredness with subtlety and brilliance. Even if you don’t identify as a pagan, this book is so unique and beautiful that all who appreciate the sacred will enjoy it. “A true pagan spiritual tradition is not a written collection of dogma. It is not a creedal religion or ideology, which one can choose, adopt, or purchase. It is a whole world in which one lives. It expresses a people’s relationship to nature, the holy, and its own self. A spiritual tradition is remembering and knowing… In the end, what separates our native traditions from others is love. Contrary to other religious and magical traditions, where action is often based on some kind of antagonistic dualism, we approach the holy with devotion, generosity, and sacrifice… The holy powers are not strangers to us. They are our kin, our ancestors, or divine progenitors.” The second part of this brilliant interview with Aki Cederberg about his book, Holy Europe is available at https://chamberofreflection.com/ right now, but it will be released publicly later this month. Please subscribe there at the Chamber of Reflection, or our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality to support our endeavors to bring you more excellent esoteric interviews. For those who already subscribe and support the show, or have done so in the past, my heartfelt thanks, and I salute you! Aki first appeared on the podcast in 2018 to discuss his book, Journeys in the Kali Yuga. https://occultofpersonality.net/aki-cederberg/ intro music – “Awakening” by Paul Avgerinos (http://magnatune.com/artists/albums/avgerinos-gnosis?song=3) outro music – “Madre de Deus” by Dayazell http://magnatune.com/artists/albums/dayazell-dayazell?song=4   Greg Kaminsky Linktree – https://www.linktr.ee/brothergreg Occult of Personality – https://open.spotify.com/show/1dioFRsV25Hj3SDKR3dDmx Chamber of Reflection (Occult of Personality membership section) – https://chamberofreflection.com Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality email – [email protected] Telegram - https://t.me/occultofpersonality YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OccultofPersonality

Now, in episode number 230, I’m thrilled to bring you a brilliant interview with Freemason Josef Wäges, 32°, who is a board member of the Scottish Rite Research Society and a member of the Blue Friars (Masonic Authors). Josef appeared on the podcast previously in episode 192 to discuss the history of the Order of the Illuminati (https://occultofpersonality.net/josef-wages-and-the-order-of-the-illuminati/). Today's interview was an absolute joy because Josef is one of the most prominent Masonic historians on Earth whose work is among the most revelatory around. It was great to learn more about him and his research in this candid and relaxed interview. Enjoy!  Topics included: Introduction to Freemasonry Family Background and Masonic Heritage Ancient vs. Modern Freemasonry The Role of Fear and Change Future Works and Farewell If you appreciated this interview and want to hear some specifics about Josef’s recent work on The Secret Freemasonry of a Priest in the Temple of Nature and Étienne Morin: From the French Rite to the Scottish Rite, and much more, be sure to catch the second half of the interview with Josef Wäges, available at https://chamberofreflection.com/ and the Occult of Personality Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality/ and support our endeavors to bring you more excellent esoteric interviews. For those who already subscribe and support the show, or have done so in the past, my heartfelt thanks, and I salute you! Huge thanks once again to the incomparable Frater O for coordinating this interview and co-hosting!  intro music – “Awakening” by Paul Avgerinos (http://magnatune.com/artists/albums/avgerinos-gnosis?song=3) outro music – “Dying Magic Fire” by William Zeitler   Greg Kaminsky Linktree – https://www.linktr.ee/brothergreg Occult of Personality – https://open.spotify.com/show/1dioFRsV25Hj3SDKR3dDmx Chamber of Reflection (Occult of Personality membership section) – https://chamberofreflection.com Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality email – [email protected] Telegram - https://t.me/occultofpersonality YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OccultofPersonality

Now, in episode number 229, a brilliant conversation with author and teacher Alan Chapman of Magia and The Baptist’s Head, where we delve into magical lineage, Aleister Crowley, gnosis, and magic as a practice to attain gnosis. This was a very long-awaited meeting, and the preparation was completely worthwhile. It is no accident that while this was recorded during the autumn of 2024, it’s being released right before the Winter Solstice. For years I’ve been wanting to do an interview of this nature, where we discuss magic as the path towards, and in the service of, spiritual enlightenment. While I often love to focus on the intersection of these phenomena, it wasn’t until this interview that I was actually able to satisfy my yearning to know if a Western magical path could lead where I thought it was meant to by speaking with someone who claimed to have accomplished it. You can find Alan Chapman online at https://barbarouswords.com/ Joining us are the inimitable Frater O and Kid Cooper-Levy.  If you enjoy this interview, be sure to catch the second half with Alan Chapman, available at https://chamberofreflection.com/ and the Occult of Personality Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality/ and support our endeavors to bring you more excellent esoteric interviews. For those who already subscribe and support the show, or have done so in the past, my heartfelt thanks, and I salute you! intro music – “Awakening” by Paul Avgerinos (http://magnatune.com/artists/albums/avgerinos-gnosis?song=3) outro music – “Land of Magic” by Frank Dorittke (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Frank_Dorittke/Mare_Tranquillitatis/pcr018_cd01_10_fd_project_land_of_magic/)   I know that it’s been a while between episodes here and I want you to know that I am working to improve that and do more, but in the meantime, there’ve been three new episodes of the other podcast I work on with my teacher, called The Freedom Place, that you may enjoy and I definitely encourage you to listen to… https://open.spotify.com/show/19nZvJTykeHPqmTadnB2GN   Greg Kaminsky Linktree – https://www.linktr.ee/brothergreg Occult of Personality – https://open.spotify.com/show/1dioFRsV25Hj3SDKR3dDmx Chamber of Reflection (Occult of Personality membership section) – https://chamberofreflection.com Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality email – [email protected] Telegram - https://t.me/occultofpersonality YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OccultofPersonality X - https://www.x.com/occultofprsnlty

Welcome to Occult of Personality podcast, now, in episode number 228, The Thai Occult! This is the full episode. Peter Jenx, author of the wonderful and must-read The Thai Occult series of books is our guide to the magic of Thailand in an extraordinarily lit interview. To say that Peter deserves credit for sharing the amazing magic of Thailand with us in the West would be a massive understatement as his books and interviews allow a glimpse into a magical realm that we are blessed to have access to. https://www.thethaioccult.com/ I find Peter Jenx’s The Thai Occult series of books (3 so far) are some of the most interesting, most useful, and most extraordinary magical books that I have ever read. The reasons include the fact that it’s lore and knowledge from a vital living magical tradition, that magical tradition is rooted in Buddhist religion and its practitioners are accomplished meditators, and their magic can be practical or spiritual, and sometimes both simultaneously. I find the conceptual framework within which Thai magic is accomplished to be quite interesting and worthy of deeper investigation. Furthermore, this entire body of work is just more evidence to me of the efficacy of authentic spiritual practice with regard to invoking magic. I highly recommend all three The Thai Occult books by Peter Jenx. In my opinion, anyone who practices or is interested in magic would benefit from these books. Greg Kaminsky Linktree – https://www.linktr.ee/brothergreg  Chamber of Reflection (Occult of Personality membership section) – https://chamberofreflection.com Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OccultofPersonality Telegram - https://t.me/occultofpersonality X - https://www.x.com/occultofprsnlty

Welcome to Occult of Personality podcast, I’m your host, Greg Kaminsky. Now, in episode number 227, the one and only Craig Williams returns to the podcast to discuss his most recent book, Desert Meditations: Gnostic Cartography – A Handbook of Agni Yoga. https://thevioletgateway.com/products/desert-meditations-gnostic-cartography-a-handbook-of-agni-yoga. As always, this interview with Craig Williams is excellent because of his extensive experience, brilliant insights, and lifelong dedication to esoteric study and practice. Enjoy! Summary: Craig and I engage in a discussion about spirituality and its transformative power. We explore the profound teachings of Sanatana Dharma, emphasizing the value of simplicity in spiritual practices. The conversation touches on the importance of embracing change, overcoming fear, and finding resilience amidst life’s challenges. Through introspection, compassion, and profound spiritual practice, the complexities of life dissolve and we become more aware of the beauty in ordinary moments during the journey towards the eternal / self-realization. Sections 0:09 Introduction  13:02 The Concept of Pilgrimage  26:21 Complicating vs. Simplifying  39:19 Perception and Interpretation  Practitioner of Ayurvedic Medicine, Vedic Sciences, Gnostic Spirituality, and Martial Arts, Craig Williams (Sri Indra Ram-Das Aghori) is also the author of Entering the Desert, Cult of Golgotha, and Tantric Physics Vol. I & 2, and well as numerous articles on health, martial arts, and authentic initiation in the Kali Yuga. Craig also writes various ‘Daily Meditations’ pieces in his Blog: Transmissions from the Kali Yuga (https://arisearjuna.wordpress.com/). Craig Williams is an ordained Bishop (Tau Lazarus) with Apostolic Succession. He has a private medical practice in Austin specializing in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, Yoga, and Jyotish. He is the recipient of the prestigious Vedakovid and Yogacharya titles awarded by Vamadeva Shastri and the American Institute of Vedic Studies. More information can be found at: www.ayurvedaaustin.com/. “Craig Williams has extensive training and education, a sincere dedication to practice and study, and an ability to distill complex philosophies and practices into accessible and practical wisdom for modern spiritual aspirants. A rising star in the world of esotericism, I highly recommend Craig’s writings and teachings.” – Greg Kaminsky, Host/Founder, Occult of Personality   If you enjoy this interview, be sure to catch the second half, available at https://chamberofreflection.com/ and the Occult of Personality Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality/ and support the our endeavors to bring you more excellent esoteric interviews! The intro music is “Awakening” by Paul Avgerinos (http://magnatune.com/artists/albums/avgerinos-gnosis?song=3) and the outro music is “Kirvani” by Simone Angele and Amir Kalhor.   Greg Kaminsky Linktree – https://www.linktr.ee/brothergreg Occult of Personality website – http://occultofpersonality.net Chamber of Reflection (Occult of Personality membership section) – https://chamberofreflection.com Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality Email – [email protected] YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OccultofPersonality Telegram - https://t.me/occultofpersonality X - https://x.com/occultofprsnlty Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/occultofprsnlty/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/OccultofPersonality Support My Work / Venmo – https://venmo.com/u/Gregory-Kaminsky-5 Support My Work / PayPal – https://paypal.me/occultofpersonality

Welcome to Occult of Personality podcast, I’m Greg Kaminsky. Now, in episode number 226, we’re joined by Jesse Cooper Levy, AKA Kid Cooper Levy, to discuss the book he wrote about the Major Arcana of the Tarot and the Hebrew letters, entitled Black Fire. This was written while Jesse participated in on our Meditations on the Tarot study circle at chamberofreflection.com. Be forewarned, this episode goes deep into the Tarot.   Jesse is an author of fiction and non-fiction, a musician, singer, and a songwriter. You can find him on social media @singerwrongwriter. Black Fire is currently unpublished but is scheduled to be released later this year. I’ve been friends with Jesse for a few years and it was a joy to me that he wrote this book as part of our study circle. I’m also joined in this episode by the one and only Frater O as my co-host! You may recall Frater O from his appearances on the Whence Came You podcast a few years ago where he discussed a variety of esoteric subjects. Frater O has been a close friend for many years, so I’m thrilled to have him join us here. I have no doubt that you’ll greatly appreciate his presence, as I do. Occult of Personality podcast is made possible by you, the listeners, and by the subscribers to chamberofreflection.com, our membership website who aids us in the cause of informed, authentic, and accessible interviews about western esotericism. Thank you again! Because of your support, we’re able to bring you recordings of this caliber and many more to come. The intro music is “Awakening” by Paul Avgerinos (http://magnatune.com/artists/albums/avgerinos-gnosis?song=3) and the outro music is “Highway 61 (Revisited)” by Kid Cooper Levy (https://youtu.be/m10HTWQIbwY?si=--gmALGqZYj6QFeX).   Greg Kaminsky Linktree – https://www.linktr.ee/brothergreg Occult of Personality website – http://occultofpersonality.net Chamber of Reflection (Occult of Personality membership section) – https://chamberofreflection.com Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality Email – [email protected] YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OccultofPersonality Telegram - https://t.me/occultofpersonality Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/occultofprsnlty Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/occultofprsnlty/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/OccultofPersonality Support My Work / Venmo – https://venmo.com/u/Gregory-Kaminsky-5 Support My Work / PayPal – https://paypal.me/occultofpersonality

Welcome to Occult of Personality: esoteric podcast extraordinaire. I’m Greg Kaminsky. Now, in episode number 225, author P.D. Newman returns to the show after an eight year hiatus to discuss his recent book Theurgy: Theory & Practice—The Mysteries of the Ascent to the Divine, Homeric Epics, the Chaldean Oracles, and Neoplatonic Ritual - https://www.amazon.com/Theurgy-Theory-Practice-Mysteries-Ascent/dp/164411836X/. This interview was a real treat because P.D. Newman gives us a great depth of insight into the history, theory, and methods of theurgy—magic of the gods! There were some technical issues with the recording that I did my best to work around. My apologies for that but I know that the content of the conversation more than makes up for it. "P. D. Newman has been immersed in the study and practice of alchemy and theurgy for more than two decades. A member of the Masonic Fraternity, the Society of Rosicrucians, and the Martinist Order, he lectures internationally and has published articles in many esoteric journals, including The Scottish Rite Journal, The Masonic Society Journal, and Invisible College. The author of Alchemically Stoned and Angels in Vermilion, Newman lives in Tupelo, Mississippi." The research Newman did in support of this book is really astounding and quite interesting. His scholarship has really made it clear that theurgy as we understand it did not originate in the second century A.D. but has its roots in beginningless time. Furthermore, the understanding of this activity and its context is laid out beautifully in a way that is both scholarly and valuable for practitioners. For me, what made the book so special was that contemplating the implications of his arguments helped me to see and understand that the way I defined theurgy was limiting and inaccurate, but with Newman’s words, I can more fully appreciate what is known as the Western esoteric tradition. I heartily recommend Theurgy: Theory & Practice, just like all of Newman’s books. "In this detailed study, P. D. Newman pushes the roots of theurgy all the way back to before the time of Homer. He shows how the Chaldean Oracles were not only written in Homeric Greek but also in dactylic hexameter, the same meter as the epics of Homer. Linking the Greek shamanic practices of the late Archaic period with the theurgic rites of late antiquity, the author explains how both anabasis, soul ascent, and katabasis, soul descent, can be considered varieties of shamanic soul flight and how these practices existed in ancient Greek culture prior to the influx of shamanic influence from Thrace and the Hyperborean North. The author explores the many theurgic themes and symbolic events in the Odyssey and the Iliad, including the famous journey of Odysseus to Hades and the incident of the funeral pyre of Patroclus. He presents a close analysis of On the Cave of the Nymphs, Porphyry’s commentary on Homer’s Odyssey, as well as a detailed look at Proclus’s symbolic reading of Homer’s Iliad, showing how both of these Neoplatonists describe the philosophical theory and the technical ritual praxis of theurgy. Using the Chaldean Oracles as a case study, Newman examines in detail the methods of telestikē, a form of theurgic statue animation, linking this practice to ancient Egyptian and Greek traditions as well as theurgic techniques to divinize the soul." Occult of Personality podcast is made possible by you, the listeners, and by the subscribers to chamberofreflection.com, our membership website who aids us in the cause of informed, authentic, and accessible interviews about western esotericism. Thank you again! Because of your support, we’re able to bring you recordings of this caliber and many more to come. The intro music is “Awakening” by Paul Avgerinos (http://magnatune.com/artists/albums/avgerinos-gnosis?song=3) and the outro music is "Calliopeia - kithara (Ancient Greek)" by Tim Rayborn. In the Chamber of Reflection, P. D. Newman and I continued the conversation spending considerable time discussing statue animation as part of religious ritual and got rather contemplative. This part of the interview was outstanding, so please join us for that exclusive second half. Also remember that we’re in the midst of our Meditations on the Tarot Study Circle that is open to all Chamber of Reflection paid members. In March, we’re meeting to discuss the Moon, and you should join us! I want to remind you that although you’re able to listen to this podcast at no charge, it costs time and money to create. We ask you to support our efforts and the creation of future podcasts by joining the membership section at https://chamberofreflection.com or subscribing via Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality. As always, if you’re already supporting the show or have done so in the past—my heartfelt thanks and I salute you! Greg Kaminsky Linktree – https://www.linktr.ee/brothergreg Occult of Personality website – http://occultofpersonality.net Chamber of Reflection (Occult of Personality membership section) – https://chamberofreflection.com Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/occultofpersonality Email – [email protected] YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OccultofPersonality Telegram - https://t.me/occultofpersonality Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/occultofprsnlty Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/occultofprsnlty/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/OccultofPersonality Support My Work / Venmo – https://venmo.com/u/Gregory-Kaminsky-5 Support My Work / PayPal – https://paypal.me/occultofpersonality