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.