Thelema NOW! Crowley, Ritual & Magick

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.

If you are someone who enjoys Tarot - then do we have an episode for you! In this podcast, host Harper Feist talks to Christophe Poncet, who has just published Down Here. Down Here is the first of a meticulously researched and lavishly illustrated three volume work, The Tarot of Marsilio by Christophe Poncet; a landmark inquiry into the origins of the Tarot de Marseille. Listen as Christophe discuss the orgin of Tarot de Marseille and the surprising findings of his research.

In this Thelema NOW episode, Harper interviews Joseph Peterson, about "Mysteriorum Libri Quinque: Dr. John Dee's Five Books of Mysteries." This book from the 16th century, remains to this day one of the most important core texts of occult literature and a comprehensive guide to Enochian magic, encompassing language, symbolism, rituals, and practical techniques. This deluxe Weiser Ankh edition is a compilation of John Dee's secret spiritual treatises and was prepared from the original manuscript (preserved in the British Library) in Dee's own handwriting. These secret writings were discovered long after John Dee's death (c. 1609); they had been tucked away in a hidden compartment of an old wooden chest and were remarkably spared from destruction—uncovered only a few years before the Great Fire of London in 1666. In these five secret treatises, John Dee, one of the most renowned scholars of the Elizabethan era, records in minute detail his research into the occult. Joseph discusses working with damaged manuscripts, Dee's Biblical references, and Divine Revelation. They also mention Esoeric Archives, which you can access here. Check it out!

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Thelema Now's Harper Feist speaks with Frater U∴D∴! Frater U∴D∴ is the co-founder of both the Bonn Workshop for Experimental Magic and the Magical Pact of the Illuminati of Thanateros (IOT). He is one of Europe's most renowned practical magicians and contemporary occult authors. Frater U∴D∴ has studied with yoga and tantra masters and has been involved with the practical aspects of occultism in general and magic in particular for more than half a century. He talks today about an essay soon to be released in The Fenris Wolf, "Johanna Wagner – Clanning Up Western Magic," particularly about a technique brought forward by Wagner from Africa, the activation of the clan animal. Check out more of Frater UD's work at LLewellyn!

Thelema Now host Harper Feist talks with one of Thelema Now's favorite guests, author and psychologist Dr. David Shoemaker. David discusses his new book, The Way of the Will, and how he came to Thelema, what you do after making contact with your HGA, and is it really all in your head? Hmmmmmm...... Listen now and see what you think!! Listen to David's postcast Living Thelema here. And check out his groovy Spotify playlist!

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In this ThelemaNOW episode, Harper and P.D. "Danny" Newman discuss his new book, Theurgy: Theory and Practice, published by Inner Traditions. This is a delightful conversation with a charming guest over a book that is already renowned! Chief topics of conversation were the extraction of the roots of Theurgy in the Shamanism of Thrace, the conversion of Hekate from underworld psychopomp to World Soul, and the known history of the Chaldean Oracles. P. D. Newman has been immersed in the study and practice of alchemy, hermetism, and theurgy for more than two decades. A member of both the Masonic Fraternity and the Society of Rosicrucians, he lectures internationally and has published articles in many esoteric journals, including The Scottish Rite Journal, Knights Templar Magazine, and Ad Lucem. He is the author of Angels in Vermilion: The Philosophers' Stone from Dee to DMT and Alchemically Stoned: The Psychedelic Secret of Freemasonry.