Arnemancy

In this second episode of the nine-part Arbatel Project series, Erik and Evan explore the First Septenary of this 16th century Swiss grimoire. The episode delves into the Arbatel's emphasis on secrecy in magical practice, summarized by the opening aphorism: "Whoever wants to know secrets, needs to know how to keep secrets."The First Septenary establishes the foundation for the grimoire's approach to magic, encouraging practitioners to "live for the Muses" by embracing creativity and artistic pursuits. We discuss the importance of memory in magical practice, with the Arbatel instructing practitioners to thoroughly memorize essential knowledge. While the text presents a Christian framework for invoking deity before magical works, the hosts explore how practitioners of various spiritual backgrounds might adapt these principles.Get the Arbatel so you can follow along: https://amzn.to/40eDW9EAnd join our chat on Discord: https://arnemancy.com/discordSupport Arnemancy on Patreon: https://patreon.com/arnemancyMentioned in this episode:Visit Sword + ScytheSword + Scythe creates handmade materia magica, amulets, astrological talismans, and provides divinatory services under the auspices of Mars and Saturn. Visit at swordandscythe.comSword + Scythe

My friends and frequent guests T. Susan Chang and Andrew B. Watt join me for part two of our 2024 retrospective. Susie, as usual, handles the Tarot cards, while Andrew manages the astrology. Pour yourself a beverage and settle in, as we poke at spreadsheets and explore last year's news to peer curiously into the past.Andrew B. Watt is an astrologer, magician, and cool wizard. T. Susan Chang is a Tarot expert, author, and cool wizard. Please enjoy our look back at the second, tumultuous half of 2024!LinksThe 2024 Forecast Series (including the look back)T. Susan Chang's website and Tarotista Etsy shopAndrew B. Watt's websiteSupport Arnemancy on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/arnemancyMentioned in this episode:Visit Sword + ScytheSword + Scythe creates handmade materia magica, amulets, astrological talismans, and provides divinatory services under the auspices of Mars and Saturn. Visit at swordandscythe.comSword + Scythe

For the podcast's fifth anniversary, Eric Purdue joined me at Dark Star Magick in Portland, Oregon, for a live podcast recording. We had a live audience, livestreamed the conversation to YouTube, and overall had a really excellent time. Our conversation focused on his translation of Henry Cornelius Agrippa's Three Books of Occult Philosophy, which was released in 2022. I wanted to find out more about the ongoing influence of his translation, and how it is reshaping the modern occult community.Eric Purdue is a practitioner of medieval astrology, and a santero (olorisha) in Lucumí/Santeria. He has studied metaphysics for over thirty years, with a particular focus on practical folk and astrological magic. His work on traditional talismanic magic appeared in the inaugural edition of The Ascendant (2014).Thanks to Dark Star Magick for hosting this event. While it may have been a crazy idea to host it on Halloween, Steve enthusiastically jumped on the idea and then trusted us to pull it off. I am very grateful that he sat in as the intermediary between our Internet audience and the live event. Dark Star Magick is an incredible occult bookstore, carrying new, used, and rare books. They ship all over the world, so be sure to check out their online shop.Live podcasts are a lot of work, and I couldn't have done this without the help of my brother Nick Arneson, and his audio/visual engineering skills. Make sure to check out his music and video production agency, Sunshine Presents.LinksEric Purdue's websiteDark Star MagickThree Books of Occult Philosophy by Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa (trans. Eric Purdue)Dr. Justin Sledge's Agrippa courseSupport Arnemancy on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/arnemancyMentioned in this episode:Visit Sword + ScytheSword + Scythe creates handmade materia magica, amulets, astrological talismans, and provides divinatory services under the auspices of Mars and Saturn. Visit at swordandscythe.comSword + Scythe

Happy holidays! My friend and returning guest Michael Sanborn joins me for this extra-special Christmas episode to drink yerba mate and discuss his latest Remy Boyer translation. The Way Without Masters: A Collection of Nondualist Texts is a collection of manifestos, hymns, verse, and prose that span a selection of collected topics from surrealism to Sebastianism to incoherism.We recorded this episode in the comfort of Michael's dining room while sipping yerba mate. Our conversation covers a broad array of topics from expressionism to the challenges of translating mystical verse. It was a delight to have Michael as a return guest.Michael Sanborn is a book designer and translator specializing in contemporary European esoterica. He participates in several esoteric traditions, including Neoplatonism, and Templarism. He is also a gnostic bishop and a member of Azoth Temple in Portland, Oregon.Rémi Boyer has explored at length the world of the avant-garde, initiatory traditions, and philosophies of enlightenment. He works within the setting of the House of Surrealists in Cordes-sur-Ciel, for a new alliance between traditions, philosophies of awakening, and the artistic avant-garde. He is the author of some twenty specialized works, particularly on Western initiatory movements.LinksGet the new book at Ways of AwakeningRose Circle BooksMichael's previous podcast appearances:Friends of the Spirit with Michael SanbornSeeking the Imago Templi with Michael SanbornSupport Arnemancy on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/arnemancyMentioned in this episode:Visit Sword + ScytheSword + Scythe creates handmade materia magica, amulets, astrological talismans, and provides divinatory services under the auspices of Mars and Saturn. Visit at swordandscythe.comSword + Scythe

This episode is repurposed from my first YouTube video. It is an exploration of the methods behind why divination works, featuring my friend Tres Henry. Note that this is not an episode that tries to convince skeptics that divination works—we just take that for granted!Tres Henry is a magician, software engineer, and tinkerer who has worked in the tech industry for over twenty years. He is now bringing all of that nerd power to bear by creating digital tools for magicians. Two that you may have heard of are the astrology software Urania and online geomantic tool Georatio. He is currently working on building the best astrology software in the world.LinksHall of Doors (Tres's website)UraniaGeoratioCosmic PlumbingThis episode, but on YouTubeSupport Arnemancy on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/arnemancyMentioned in this episode:Visit Sword + ScytheSword + Scythe creates handmade materia magica, amulets, astrological talismans, and provides divinatory services under the auspices of Mars and Saturn. Visit at swordandscythe.comSword + Scythe

Welcome to the 6th season of the Arnemancy Podcast! It has been a delightful ride. We are kicking off this season with another meeting of the Confraternity of Prognosticators. This time, we are reviewing our forecast for the first half of 2024, carefully combing through headlines for each month, to see where we were right, where we were wrong, and to discuss how forecasts can be more effective in the future.My friends and frequent guests T. Susan Chang and Andrew B. Watt join me for this retrospective. Susie, as usual, handles the Tarot cards, while Andrew manages the astrology. Pour yourself a beverage and settle in, as we explore spreadsheets and newspapers to peer curiously into the recent past.LinksT. Susan Chang's website and Tarotista Etsy shopAndrew B. Watt's websiteSupport Arnemancy on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/arnemancyMentioned in this episode:Visit Sword + ScytheSword + Scythe creates handmade materia magica, amulets, astrological talismans, and provides divinatory services under the auspices of Mars and Saturn. Visit at swordandscythe.comSword + Scythe

Derek Hunter joins me in this episode to explore the rich and confusing world of literature in Elizabethan England! We talk about a number of very interesting characters, especially how they may relate to the question of the identity of William Shakespeare and the authorship of his plays.Derek is theauthor of 15 books—11 works of fiction, 4 nonfiction—the creator of a philosophy called Love Chaos, an occult practitioner, and a general seeker after the variety and depths of existence.Three of his most recent works are: Anonymous Agnostic Antichrists, Passionate Pilgrims, and The Human Drama Part Zero: The Fool, Frank Francine Fontaine. These were released in late 2023 and early 2024. AAA, a novel, and PP, a short nonfiction companion piece, were dedicated to the Shakespeare authorship question. The Human Drama series began this year with The Fool and will continue with The Magician on the Summer Solstice, a total of 78 short stories planned for the 78 tarot cards in the next 20 years.LinksFind all of Derek's work at love-chaos.com!Mentioned in this episode:Visit Sword + ScytheSword + Scythe creates handmade materia magica, amulets, astrological talismans, and provides divinatory services under the auspices of Mars and Saturn. Visit at swordandscythe.comSword + Scythe

In this episode, Dr. Nick Literski joins me to explore the topic of spiritual guidance. What does a spiritual guide do? Who should seek one out? Along the way, we dive into the latest findings on religious affiliations and behaviors, which suggest that many identify with being spiritual seekers outside traditional settings. In such a diverse spiritual landscape, whom do these seekers turn to for guidance? Dr. Nick Literski is an Adjunct Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the California Institute of Integral Studies, and a professional spiritual guide. Dr. Literski holds a doctorate in Depth Psychology with Emphasis in Jungian and Archetypal Studies from Pacifica Graduate Institute, as well as a master’s in Spiritual Guidance from Sofia University and a Juris Doctor from the Northern Illinois University College of Law. Their research interests include depth psychological reflections on spirituality, magic, Paleolithic cave art, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Nick’s work has been published in multiple professional journals. Their recent book, Method Infinite: Freemasonry and the Mormon Restoration, was published by Greg Kofford Books in 2022.LinksDancing AncestorsDancing Ancestors on FacebookSupport this podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/arnemancyMentioned in this episode:Visit Sword + ScytheSword + Scythe creates handmade materia magica, amulets, astrological talismans, and provides divinatory services under the auspices of Mars and Saturn. Visit at swordandscythe.comSword + Scythe

Jacob Budenz joins me to discuss Greco-Roman witchcraft, and in particular the influences of a number of classical texts have had upon modern witchcraft practices. We discuss "Idyll II" by Theocritus, Euripides' Medea, and Metamorphoses by Apueleius (aka The Golden Ass).Jacob is a queer author, multi-disciplinary performer, educator, and witch with an MFA from University of New Orleans and a BA from Johns Hopkins whose work focuses broadly on the intersection of otherness and the otherworldly. The author of magic realist short story collection Tea Leaves (Bywater Books 2023) and poetry chapbook Pastel Witcheries (Seven Kitchens Press 2018), Budenz has fiction and poetry in traditional print journals including Slipstream and Assaracus, zeitgeisty online journals including Taco Bell Quarterly and Wussy Mag, and lauded anthologies by Mason Jar Press and Unbound Edition. In addition to writing, Jake is the front person for Baltimore-based psychedelic witchpop darlings Moth Broth and has received awards and accolades for original theater work including a new adaptation of Mikhail Bulgakov's The Master and Margarita (Baltimore City Paper's Top Ten Staged Productions of 2016) and an original cabaret play about immortality and the cultural icon of the witch, Simaetha: a Dreambaby Cabaret (Baker Innovative Projects Grants, 2019). LinksJacob's websiteJacob on InstagramMoth Broth on BandcampSupport me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/arnemancyMentioned in this episode:Visit Sword + ScytheSword + Scythe creates handmade materia magica, amulets, astrological talismans, and provides divinatory services under the auspices of Mars and Saturn. Visit at swordandscythe.comSword + Scythe

Would Mormonism even exist without magical treasure hunting? This is an amazing question and a strange topic, and I am really thrilled that I get to explore this topic with my guest in this episode, Dr. Nick Literski!Dr. Nick Literski is an Adjunct Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the California Institute of Integral Studies, and a professional spiritual guide. Nick holds a doctorate in Depth Psychology with Emphasis in Jungian and Archetypal Studies from Pacifica Graduate Institute, as well as a master’s in Spiritual Guidance from Sofia University and a Juris Doctor from the Northern Illinois University College of Law. Their research interests include depth psychological reflections on spirituality, magic, Paleolithic cave art, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Nick’s work has been published in multiple professional journals. Their recent book, Method Infinite: Freemasonry and the Mormon Restoration, was published by Greg Kofford Books in 2022.LinksThe Occult Influences on Mormonism with Nick Literski (What Magic is This?)All You Need to Know About the Infamous Morgan AffairHoliness to the Lord lamen and read more about it here.Method Infinite: Freemasonry and the Mormon RestorationDancing AncestorsDancing Ancestors on FacebookSupport me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/arnemancyMentioned in this episode:Visit Sword + ScytheSword + Scythe creates handmade materia magica, amulets, astrological talismans, and provides divinatory services under the auspices of Mars and Saturn. Visit at swordandscythe.comSword + Scythe

Here we are with the last episode of the year! This is part 2 of the 2024 forecast, featuring the Confraternity of Prognosticators, T. Susan Chang and Andrew B. Watt. You will definitely want to listen to part 1 before this, so go back and check that out.In this episode, we cover 2024, July through December. We look at the presidential election! Susie draws some very strange cards. You don't want to miss this!LinksT. Susan Chang's websiteAndrew B. Watt's websiteMel Priestly's 2024 astrological forecast for CanadaMentioned in this episode:Visit Sword + ScytheSword + Scythe creates handmade materia magica, amulets, astrological talismans, and provides divinatory services under the auspices of Mars and Saturn. Visit at swordandscythe.comSword + Scythe

It's almost time for the 2024 Forecast, but to prepare, we decided to look back on how we did for our 2023 Forecast. My good friends and preferred prognosticators Andrew B. Watt and T. Susan Chang join me to review 2023. We look back over all of the crazy events of the past year to see which ones we came closest to predicting—and where our predictions completely fell down!Get a Discount on Tarot and Astrology Readings!Susie, Andrew, and I are all offering a 24% discount on divination services until the end of January 2024! Just enter the code LEAPYEAR24 at checkout to receive your discount. Visit one of our websites to book now!LinksT. Susan Chang's websiteAndrew B. Watt's websiteArnemancy websiteSpoonful of Promises: Stories & Recipes From A Well-Tempered Table by T. Susan ChangSupport me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/arnemancyMentioned in this episode:Visit Sword + ScytheSword + Scythe creates handmade materia magica, amulets, astrological talismans, and provides divinatory services under the auspices of Mars and Saturn. Visit at swordandscythe.comSword + ScytheGet my two-part course on Tarot and the Art of Memory!Click the link below.Tarot and the Art of Memory