Our guests this week are Richard Althide and Teri Gall, an unlikely duo that have proved that we can turn our differences into strengths and become stronger in unity than we can achieve separately. Richard and Teri both talked about what has brought them to their current paths: psychic vampire and witch/ceremonial magician. They went on to discuss how they've learned to merge their respective paths and work together to become more than simply the sum of two people. Among the subjects discussed were Kabbalah, Tarot, mediumship, ethical vampirism, self-actualization, and the shifting of the collective consciousness. We talked about the energy of music and art and, as seems to be the case more and more these days, the conversation turned to finding one's own magickal and spiritual path as opposed to following an established tradition.
In the extended Salvage League interview, we discussed sacred geometry, Ouija, and numerology, as well. Teri shared some stories from her work as a medium and Tarot reader, and I talked about my own trials and tribulations as I've begun practicing mediumship techniques. We also discussed the value of getting your spiritual butt kicked every now and then.
If you like what you hear, please consider a Salvage League membership. You can find out more on the Salvage League page. And remember that if you sign up before October 30th, you'll automatically be entered in the raffle to win a collection of prizes including a one-of-a-kind handcrafted enchanted item made by yours truly, gorgeous signed art prints by occult artist Lexie Takis, the Aleister Crowley commemorative button and refrigerator magnet collection, and a certificate for a half-hour tarot reading from Jane Pierce.
Taylor Ellwood is an occultist, consultant, and author with over 20 books to his credit. Taylor discussed his new book, Pop Culture Magic Systems and provided some basic outlines for developing an entire paradigm and system of magick based on pop culture.
In the extended Salvage League interview, Taylor went much further in-depth concerning both the theory and practicalities of developing a pop culture system of magick. If you like what you hear, please consider a Salvage League membership. You can find out more on the Salvage League page. And remember that if you sign up before October 30th, you'll automatically be entered in the raffle to win a collection of prizes including a one-of-a-kind handcrafted enchanted item made by yours truly, gorgeous signed art prints by occult artist Lexie Takis, the Aleister Crowley commemorative button and refrigerator magnet collection, and a certificate for a half-hour tarot reading from Jane Pierce.
In our second interview, James Curcio discussed his many occult-oriented projects. From comics to books to music to films, James explained the ways in which he uses a variety of media to tell stories and comment on our culture, politics, and belief systems.
In the extended Salvage League interview, James talks more about his various projects, discusses the state of the modern news media, and even turns the tables a bit on me and coaxes some information about a project I have in the works involving David Bowie, the occult, and magick. If you like what you hear on the Ancient Wisdom Salvage Yard, please consider a Salvage League membership. You'll not only hear more from your favorite guests in extended episodes, but get access to forums, salvage-league exclusive interviews, music, an ever-expanding occult library, and lots more that's in the works, all for $5 a month (or even less if you opt for a 6 or 12 month membership). Producing this podcast isn't...inexpensive...and it's what I eat, sleep, and breathe. To sign up or learn more, visit ancientwisdomsalvageyard.com and click the Salvage League menu button at the top of the page!
Satyros Phil Brucato is our guest this week: pagan, musician, game designer, and creator of some of the best known roleplaying games in history. Phil discussed his early influences and sometimes rocky road of creative expression. He talked about his various roles at White Wolf, developing Werewolf: the Apocalypse and Mage: the Ascension, as well as his creation Deliria: Faerie Tales for a New Millennium. Phil went on to discuss the pagan path he treads, as well as his work with the band Telesterion.
In the extended Salvage League interview, Phil went much deeper into his experiences working at White Wolf, the development of Deliria, yet another project entitled Powerchords: Music, Magic & Urban Fantasy, his music, and how magick intersects with everything. More of Phil's music is available to Salvage League members via the Audio page! If you're a fan of roleplaying games or just good storytelling, you won't want to miss this extended interview.
To learn more about becoming a member of the Ancient Wisdom Salvage Yard Salvage League, please check out ancientwisdomsalvageyard.com!
This week, we talk with Reverend Melissa Hill, an ordained priest in the Árn Draíocht Féin druidic tradition, an educator, a spiritual artist, and author of the DandelionLady blog. Melissa covered quite a bit of ground in this interview, starting with a discussion of modern druidism and pan-cultural symbol systems. She spoke about her role as a priest and discussed the different roles of the priest, shaman and magician in a community or culture. Melissa spoke extensively about different varieties of nature spirits and spirits of the land and how they can be approached and communicated with. She attached emphasis to the idea that this requires the development of a specific skillset and also an investment of time. Knowing the history of the land is big part of this and she talked about how eventually, one begins to blend their magickal and mundane lives. I brought up my experiences communicating with the genius loci of my town and she had some excellent suggestions on how to pursue that further. We went on to discuss her experiences with animal spirits, particularly Bear and Swan. We touched on the nature of the Fae and she also described her work with both spirit traps and spirit houses.
In the Salvage League extended show, Melissa talked about the classes and workshops she runs and about the ritual she plans to run for Ann Arbor Pagan Pride Day. Part of this ritual will address promoting unity through diversity, rather than through attempting to make everyone the same. She compared the two approaches to monotheism and polytheism. She went on to talk about teaching general meditative techniques and her current project to bring ceremony and ritual to the secular realm. From there, we went on to our shared enthusiasm for bone preservation and crafting and the ethics involved. The conversation returned to spirits, specifically ancestral nature spirits. Overall, she says, Melissa is passionate about creating a new culture, more powerful and meaningful for people than what we've built thus far. I couldn't agree with her more.
Our first guest this week is Elizabeth Ruth, a Haitian Vodouisant, rootworker, Hoodoo practitioner, and diviner hailing from Ohio. Elizabeth first talked about her childhood, growing up with a grandmother who was a practicing astrologer and necromancer, and what it was like in a home where ancestor spirits paid regular visits. She went on to discuss the origins and history of Voodoo, addressing common misconceptions and outlining the differences between Voodoo and Hoodoo. Social activism plays a large part in Elizabeth's practice and she spoke at length about how she blends the two. She has several products and services available at Big Liz's Conjure Corner, and announced her effort to open a brick and mortar location in the Colombus area. If you're interested in helping her achieve this, please visit her GoFundMe page! Elizabeth talked about the problems we face as a society as she sees them, and offered solutions both mundane and magickal.
Next, we spoke with Ringtail, a magician from the Pacific Northwest who designed and executed a rather ambitious eclipse ritual involving chaos dragons. The full description of the ritual can be found in the DKMU forums. Ringtail, along with fellow chaotes Alice Hart and Ahava Ain Soph, journeyed to Idaho and continued the effort to subvert consensus reality, harnessing the unique conditions brought on by the eclipse.
Please check out the show notes at ancientwisdomsalvageyard.com for all the links!
This week, podcaster, occultist, writer, and preternatural investigator Equanimous Rex joined us to discuss his serial fiction podcast The Witch Doctor. I've been a huge fan of the Witch Doctor since it began and I was excited to speak with its creator! Equanimous talked about the motivation behind creating the Witch Doctor and also about the use of fiction as a medium for communicating esoteric knowledge. Equanimous also writes non-fiction for the online magazines Disinfo and Modern Mythology, where he tackles topics like Materialist-Positivism and interviews popular personalities in modern occulture. We touched on other topics like lucid dreaming and the effects pop culture can have on uncanny and paranormal experiences. As usual, we delved into this fascinating fellow's history and learned how Equanimous Rex arrived at this point in his occult career. We played a few sample clips from the Witch Doctor, but I heartily recommend everyone head over to the podcast's website and listen to the story from the beginning! Active links are, as always, in the show notes at ancientwisdomsalvageyard.com.
Also in Episode 21's show notes are instructions for using the viral servitor Wingsblood, created during today's eclipse.
We’re joined this week by Artemis & Helios, the writers behind the brilliant – and hilarious – Heretical Oracles blog. The Divinatory Duo combine Tarot and Astrology for a unique and always thought-provoking view of human interaction, sociology, and world events. Artemis and Helios discussed their respective backgrounds with regard to the occult and how they formed their partnership. They addressed the lunar eclipse that took place on August 8th, as well as the upcoming solar eclipse coming up on August 21st, along with the effects these two events will likely have, Astrologically speaking. Addressing the complexity of Astrology, the Oracles spoke about the best ways for the neophyte to begin exploring the subject, and recommended some resources (see links below). No discussion on Divination and Astrology would be complete without predictions, and the Oracles commented on what we can expect to see with regard to the coming year. In a time of unprecedented polarization and political uncertainty, the future is on the minds of many as we march to meet it, and the Heretical Oracles offered up their road map based on what they see in the stars and cards. Artemis and Helios take the often murky and mysterious subjects of Divination and Astrology and, almost magickally, make them understandable and perhaps more importantly – FUN. In a time where so many see doom and gloom, it’s refreshing to see a more lighthearted approach and thoughtful perspective. The Oracles have signed on as official Court Astrologers to the Ancient Wisdom Salvage Yard, and I look forward to having them pop in from time to time to offer their unique take on events as they unfold in these tumultuous times.
Author, medium, and paranormal investigator Exie Susanne Smith joined us this week to discuss her lifetime of experience with the paranormal. Exie talked about the dramatic experience she had with a malevolent entity at the age of twelve that catapulted her into a life of studying paranormal phenomena and ultimately becoming a medium and described how she receives her psychic impressions and talked about the different categories of discarnate entities. I found her to be unlike a lot of other mediums in that she is very pragmatic in her approach and dispenses with much of the New Age trappings rife within the discipline. The spirits couldn’t seem to stay away from this interview and caused a lot of disruption and audio issues…to the point that we had to stop, cleanse both locations, and start the whole interview over! Even then, a few managed to creep in and cause mischief. Currently, Exie offers her services pro bono to those in need who are experiencing spirit-related difficulties. You can also book Exie for telephone or in person readings, group events, or speaking engagements. If you’ve ever wanted to hear a frank and no-nonsense account of how a medium does their thing, this is the interview you’ll want to hear. Exie has written two books: Welcome to My Paranormal Life and When the Dead Come Calling. Exie’s third book, The Essence of Death will be available soon.
Doubtless, you’ve seen the many articles making the rounds concerning the Chinese experiment in which it’s being claimed that scientists have successfully teleported a photon from the ground to Earth orbit. I tapped the Salvage Yard’s science advisor Jason Luxon to explain just what happened. Jason shed a lot of light on the Chinese experiment and explained exactly what did and did not happen. We discussed both the scientific and magickal ramifications and where this new step could lead us scientifically and culturally.
Next up, I spoke with Roni Jean Neal who, coincindentally, happens to be engaged in her own extensive research and magickal experimentation along similar lines. Roni discussed her discovery of “keys” to open up portals to other realms that enable her to bring two or more resonances together. Roni spoke about the role quantum entanglement plays in her magickal paradigm and provided a lot of material to consider in such a short time.
This week, we conclude our talk with Jason Luxon that we began last week. Next, we talked with Steph Loops about her unique style of Mythology Magick and the mysterious entities she's found herself mixed up with in the form of stick puppets. Steph discussed the circumstances surrounding her introduction to the "Kreeps", as well as her quest to track down their maker. This led to a wider discussion of the ancient origins of puppetry and magick and also of little known places of power throughout the United States. Steph has requested anyone with knowledge that could help lead her to the Kreeps' creator get in touch with her. Visit KreeposImaginareum.com to see photos and follow the story as it unfolds. This is a brand new website, so please keep checking back as more information is added! Soon to be updated in the Imaginareum is more information on Steph's upcoming book, Skipping Truck School with Autumn Rain.
A scientist, having worked for NASA, the TSA, the Department of Justice, the United States Postal Service, Lockheed Martin, and the Washington State Senate, Jason Luxon is also a magician par excellence. Jason talked about his early life, having been raised by magickal practitioner parents, and his subsequent training in the hermetic tradition, and then Sean Ciall druidry. Jason went on to discuss various scientific disciplines and projects and how science and magick can dovetail with fascinating results. Among these topics were faster-than-light travel, time travel, the energy body, building a device to measure magickal energy, the Luxon Engine, and a whole lot more. He also talked about a project that he has in the works to develop "Lab Manuals" to help occultists take a structured approach to their esoteric development. Jason Luxon has the mind of a scientist, but the heart of a poet and I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to speak with him. There was far too much material to cram into one episode, so look for the conclusion to this interview next week! Jason has consented to be the official science advisor to the Ancient Wisdom Salvage Yard, so expect to hear from him frequently in the future!
First, we spoke to Stephen Branch, a magician and self-described loudmouth and motivator. Stephen discussed his unusual introduction to magick, his evolving occult philosophy, and his involvement in the Domus Kaotica/Marauder Underground. Stephen went on to talk about his new podcast Branch Out, as well as his forays into music and plans for an eventual occult record label. The A.A.O. and the Work of Charis are two occult discussion groups begun by Stephen, intended to foster self-improvement and positive change within occulture. *NOTE: Since the time of this interview, Stephen Branch has announced a hiatus from all social media in order to focus on personal magickal endeavors. For the time being, the Branch Out podcast is offline.
Next up was Achija Branvin Sionnach, a hermetic polytheist, musician, and martial artist hailing from Virginia. Achija talked about his early Christian upbringing, and eventual drift into polytheism. In speaking about what it means to be a "hermetic polytheist", Achija spoke about his devotion to the Morrigan and what that entails. Also discussed were Achija's involvement with Historical European Martial Arts, and his dedication to music. In addition, Achija demonstrated his ability to speak in tongues. Wrapping up the interview, he spoke about his enchanted bookbinding service, SpellBound Bookbinding, as well as a new project, 54 Devils, and put out the call for help from listeners with information about playing card lore. Achija can be contacted at achija@bt.edu
Before the interviews, I talked about the city node that Roni,Tszura, Stan, Jack, and I set up in Detroit for Chelseanacht 2017 and the subsequent ritual that took place for Operation: Trojan Storm.
Also, if you have a a tale of the uncanny, weird, or terrifying variety, please get in touch if you'd like that tale told on the Halloween show!
As always, check out the show notes for a complete description, including links!
Our first guest was Victoria Lyndell, an intuitive magician from waaaay down South. We discussed kitchen witchery, love and empowerment castings, and weather magick. Tori went on to talk about the ways in which her art informs her magick and vice-versa, and the invaluable role that automatic drawing has played in her meditative practice and development as a magician. Tori's obvious love of the subject matter really came through, and you'll find yourself grinning ear to ear from her inspiring energy. She also discussed some projects that she's been working on, including a jacket that doubles as a hypersigil, and a subscription toolbox service for occultists called "The Pandora Initiative".
Next, we spoke with Stanley "Nashan" Nunn, priest at Pagan Pathways Temple in Madison Heights, Michigan, just outside Detroit. Stan told the story of the Temple's origin and of the obstacles that had to be overcome, but also of the growing acceptance of Paganism in mainstream America. We discussed Stan's popular Quantum Craft class, specifically about where magick and quantum physics intersect, and how it all relates to the Kybalion. Stan cited the "Water Experiments" of Dr. Masaru Emoto as an inllustration of how one's Will, intent, and state of mind affects the world around us and illustrates how we are ultimately responsible for the reality we create for ourselves.
Before the interviews, I talked a little about the "inspirational meme"-generating AI, InspiroBot and how it could be useful for divination. This led to wider musings on the spiritual nature of "true" artificial or synthetic intelligence and the impact on magick and society it could have, should it ever develop.
Full show notes and links can be found at The Ancient Wisdom Salvage Yard Website.
Self-initiated hermetic magician, educator, and musician Ahava Ain Soph takes us on a wild ride all over the magickal map this week. Ahava discussed his early forays into the Qabalah, his self-initiation into the hermetic tradition, his work within the DKMU, and his role as an instructor. From there, the conversation ranged from Gnosticism and chaos magick, environmental magick and "probability spheres", to the intersection of quantum and magickal theory and the future of magick. Ahava also spoke about his music and musical hypersigils (of which he treats us to a sample of). If you're at all interested in outside-the-box magick, then you'll definitely want to give this a listen.
Tarot reader, Tzaddi minister, and Reiki master Jane Pierce joins us in the studio this week to talk about Tarot, the Qabalah, healing, past-life memories and more. Jane discussed the path that has brought her to her present endeavors and what it's like behind the scenes, organizing conventions. Jane offers up some interesting perspectives on life and the practice of magick that you won't want to miss!
Artist, writer, musician, podcaster, and occultist Tommie Kelly joined us this week to share his perspective on a variety of topics and to talk about his current projects. Tommie is the creator of the now-legendary blog, Adventures in Woo Woo and he shared the story of how it came about, and talked about his philosophy when it comes to media and art. An accomplished graphic artist, Tommie is the author of a number of graphic novels, including his hypersigil work Them, The Holy Numbers, Road Crew: Not Everyone Can Be a Rockstar!, and For Sale: A Road Crew Book. We also discussed Tommie's latest project, The Forty Servants, which is both a system of divination and "pantheon" of servitors to assist in rituals and magickal endeavors. Since the recording of this interview, The Grimoire of the Forty Servants has gone to print.
This week on the Ancient Wisdom Salvage Yard, we spoke with artist, performer, and ceremonial magician Billy Brujo about his philosophy of magick, his YouTube show, and numerous other projects. Billy talked Tarot, going far beyond simple spreads, and about his new book, the Book of Artifice. This is a very in-depth interview, and it's one you won't want to miss. Additionally, I talked a bit about my occult adventures in Cleveland, as well as a little surprise from the spirit world I received while editing this week's show!
This week, psychic sensitive and magician Roni Jean Neal came to the studio to discuss a wide range of topics from from dreams to intuitive magick to the role of music in magick and meditation to some intriguing blow-by-blow descriptions of a couple of workings. We talked about the interplay of intent versus the kind of energy you project in your day to day life. We also discussed communication between occult practitioners and how the practice of magick is evolving before our very eyes. Roni went on to describe the ritual that took place at the DKMU meetup in Pennsylvania in October of 2016, as well as a personal project in which she created a nexus within a dead tree, and what happened when that tree met its ultimate demise.
On the Ancient Wisdom Salvage Yard podcast, we investigate topics of interest to magick practitioners of all traditions, as well as anyone intrigued by the esoteric, fringe science, and what squirms beneath the skin of consensus reality. Each week, we'll scrounge up some artifact from the Salvage Yard, look at it from a new angle, and see if we can't incorporate it into our own esoteric worldview.