http://occultofpersonality.net Peering Behind the Veil Mon, 17 Jun 2013 19:30:01 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Peering Behind the Veil. rochester92 clean rochester92 rochester92@yahoo.com rochester92@yahoo.com (rochester92) © 2006 -2009 Peering behind the Veil occult, esoteric, spirituality, mysticism, philosophy, Alchemy, Tarot, Magic, consciousness, religion http://www.occultofpersonality.net/wp-content/uploads/double_headed_eagle.gif http://occultofpersonality.net Boston, Massachusetts http://occultofpersonality.net/randall-carlson-of-sacred-geometry-international/ http://occultofpersonality.net/randall-carlson-of-sacred-geometry-international/#comments Sun, 02 Jun 2013 23:52:11 +0000 gkaminsky http://occultofpersonality.net/?p=1543 http://occultofpersonality.net/randall-carlson-of-sacred-geometry-international/feed/ 1 alternative history,ancient civilizations,ancient history,anthropology,archeoastronomy,architecture,astrology,astronomy,astrotheology,Cabala,Freemasonry,geology Randall Carlson of Sacred Geometry International is our guest in podcast episode 131. “Randall Carlson is a master builder, architectural designer, teacher, geometrician, geomythologist, explorer, and renegade scholar. For over forty years, Randall Carlson of Sacred Geometry International is our guest in podcast episode 131. “Randall Carlson is a master builder, architectural designer, teacher, geometrician, geomythologist, explorer, and renegade scholar. For over forty years, he’s researched the interface between ancient mysteries and modern science. Randall has been an active Freemason for 30 years and is Past Master of one of the oldest and largest Masonic lodges in Georgia. He has been recognized by The National Science Teachers Association for his commitment to Science education for young people. His work incorporates Ancient Mythology, Astronomy, Earth Science, Paleontology, Symbolism, Sacred Geometry, Architecture, Geomancy, and other disciplines. For over 25 years he has presented classes, lectures, and multimedia programs synthesizing this information for students of the Mysteries. With these unique qualifications, Randall’s aspiration is to affect a revival of lost knowledge towards the goal of creating the new world based upon universal principles of harmony, freedom, and spiritual evolution.” Randall describes his passion for building and architectural design which began at a young age by being around his father's construction business. As a "child of the sixties," his experiences led him to investigate spiritual traditions of the East, as well as Western esotericism. His interest in these subjects coalesced when he was involved in the construction of a geodesic dome inspired, in part, by Islamic geometrical design. Randall's curiosity about the work of Buckminster Fuller, combined with Islamic geometry, inevitably led him to deeper study of sacred geometry and architecture, principally that of mosques and Gothic cathedrals. Noting the numerous references to Freemasonry in research material on sacred geometry and architecture, Carlson eventually became a member of the Craft and has had an extensive Masonic career. After years of study and travel, Randall began teaching sacred geometry and has had thousands of students over the decades. Among his influences, he counts Keith Critchlow and John Michell as the greatest. Randall describes the intention behind Sacred Geometry International - to bring awareness of beauty and harmony into a world desperately in need of it. He notes that he derives great satisfaction from teaching and inspiring his students. From there, we delve into an exploration of sacred geometry and the purposes behind architecture that imitates the ratios and proportions found in nature. "While the modern, academic approach to the study of geometry sees it as the very embodiment of rationalism and left brain, intellectual processes, which indeed it is, it has neglected the right brain, intuitive, artistic dimension of the subject. Sacred geometry seeks to unite and synthesize these two dynamic and complementary aspects of geometry into an integrated whole... Sacred Geometry, then, charts the unfolding of number in space and has symbolic value and thereby has conferred upon it a qualitative status absent from common geometry... At the very earliest appearance of human civilization we observe the presence and importance of geometry. It ... was comprehended and utilized by the ancient Master Builders ... geometry was, and is, closely associated with architecture, that great manuscript of the human race, which provided the first and primary vehicle for the human employment of geometry. That it is closely associated with art, music and handicraft is obvious as well to the student of the history of these subjects... Freemasons, Hermeticists and initiates into the Mysteries have for centuries held the conception of the universe as the material expression of a hidden reality, an invisible blueprint, set down by the hand of the Grand Geometrician, and to which the study of geometry provided the key and the means to render visible that which is concealed from the undiscerning and untrained eye, gkaminsky clean http://occultofpersonality.net/rubaphilos-salfluere-and-hermetic-laboratory-alchemy/ http://occultofpersonality.net/rubaphilos-salfluere-and-hermetic-laboratory-alchemy/#comments Sun, 07 Apr 2013 06:21:40 +0000 gkaminsky http://occultofpersonality.net/?p=1518 http://occultofpersonality.net/rubaphilos-salfluere-and-hermetic-laboratory-alchemy/feed/ 2 Alchemy,Cabala,consciousness,elixir of life,esoteric,esotericism,first matter,Hermeticism,Hermetics,Hermetism,history,Kabbalah Alchemist, teacher, and author Rubaphilos Salfluere is our guest in podcast episode 130. He recently authored another wonderful book entitled The Hermes Paradigm, Book Two: The First Work, published by Salamander and Sons. Alchemist, teacher, and author Rubaphilos Salfluere is our guest in podcast episode 130. He recently authored another wonderful book entitled The Hermes Paradigm, Book Two: The First Work, published by Salamander and Sons. "Rubaphilos Salfluere began ... gkaminsky clean http://occultofpersonality.net/craig-williams/ http://occultofpersonality.net/craig-williams/#comments Mon, 18 Mar 2013 01:09:39 +0000 gkaminsky http://occultofpersonality.net/?p=1482 http://occultofpersonality.net/craig-williams/feed/ 7 Advaita Vedanta,Alchemy,Ayurveda,esoteric,esoteric orders,esotericism,Gnosis,Gnostic,Gnosticism,history,left-hand path,LHP Teacher, scholar, practitioner, and healer Craig Williams, who also authored "Beyond the Paths of Frustration: Daath Gnosis," featured in the premier issue of CLAVIS Journal, is our guest in podcast episode 129. Craig appeared previously in episode 125, Teacher, scholar, practitioner, and healer Craig Williams, who also authored "Beyond the Paths of Frustration: Daath Gnosis," featured in the premier issue of CLAVIS Journal, is our guest in podcast episode 129. Craig appeared previously in episode 125... gkaminsky clean http://occultofpersonality.net/peregrin-wildoak/ http://occultofpersonality.net/peregrin-wildoak/#comments Wed, 20 Feb 2013 06:37:50 +0000 gkaminsky http://occultofpersonality.net/?p=1461 http://occultofpersonality.net/peregrin-wildoak/feed/ 2 Enochian,esoteric,esotericism,Gnosticism,Golden Dawn,Hermetic,Hermeticism,Hermetics,history,Magick,metaphysics,mysticism Peregrin Wildoak, author of By Names and Images: Bringing the Golden Dawn to Life, published by Skylight Press, and the Magic of the Ordinary blog is our guest in podcast episode 128. "Peregrin Wildoak was born in Warwickshire, Peregrin Wildoak, author of By Names and Images: Bringing the Golden Dawn to Life, published by Skylight Press, and the Magic of the Ordinary blog is our guest in podcast episode 128. "Peregrin Wildoak was born in Warwickshire, UK and emigrated to Perth, Western Australia at age 12, where he has lived ever since. In his youth he came into contact with the Western mystery traditions and was initiated into the Golden Dawn. He has also received initiation and training in several other traditions, including Wicca and an Isis Mystery School. Peregrin is a former editor of Pagan Times and Greenspirit, and co-founded the EarthDreaming tradition and the Golden Dawn Society of Western Australia." "The Golden Dawn system of magic is the main source of the esoteric and magical wisdom and techniques practiced in the West today. While the rituals and bare teachings of the tradition have been published for sixty years, the inner workings and esoteric keys that empower those rituals have largely remained unpublished or unexplored in contemporary works. By Names and Images remedies this lack by providing detailed and clear instructions for the visualisations, spiritual connections and energetic practices required for every major GD practice and ritual, as well as several unpublished techniques. "Focusing on the meanings and use of sacred names and practical techniques of visualisation, the book thoroughly explores meditation and divination, purification ritual, invocation and evocation, grades of initiation, and direct experience of the inner realms. Also covered is an explanation of the Qabalah and its use as a magical framework. While the book is sufficiently practical and clearly explained to be of huge benefit to a newcomer of magic, its primary aim is to allow people already practicing the Golden Dawn system to do so more effectively, and to be touched by the amazing spiritual blessings the rituals offer." Peregrin begins the interview by talking about how his excellent book By Names and Images: Bringing the Golden Dawn to Life is intended to allow practitioners to engage with the tradition as deeply as possible, improve their lives, and serve the world in a meaningful capacity. Next, he describes how he's been involved with the Golden Dawn tradition since his late teens and the appeal for him stems from its capacity to transform practitioners. It was important to Peregrin to account for this potential for inner transformation in his book, By Names and Images, as opposed to the outer manifestations of the Golden Dawn, as expressed by Israel Regardie. From there, Wildoak talks about his personal history in Golden Dawn lodges, his teachers, as well as his thoughts about the fact that much of the Golden Dawn tradition is in the public domain. Notably, Peregrin points out that despite the standardized public versions of the rituals and meditations, diversity of thought about theory and practice flourishes in the various GD lodges throughout the world. Peregin shares his thoughts on the subject of initiation and connection with egregore with regard to the Golden Dawn tradition. We spend some time discussing the Watchtower ceremony, the Analysis of the Keyword, and Enochian magick. We wrap up the interview with Peregrin discussing his compulsion to write By Names and Images and his hopes for the inclusion of the inner work in all future magickal books. I highly recommend Peregrin Wildoak's By Names and Images: Bringing the Golden Dawn to Life. If you're a GD practitioner, it's a must have in my opinion. Don't just take my word for it, read what the luminaries of the GD tradition have written here. Even if you're not part of the GD tradition, the book is still an important and valuable resource because the detailed explanations of the inner work of ceremonial magick, visualization, and meditation can be applied to a variety of forms of esotericism. In the Occult of Personality Membership Section, gkaminsky clean http://occultofpersonality.net/julian-vayne-and-nikki-wyrd/ http://occultofpersonality.net/julian-vayne-and-nikki-wyrd/#comments Sat, 26 Jan 2013 15:45:13 +0000 gkaminsky http://occultofpersonality.net/?p=1441 http://occultofpersonality.net/julian-vayne-and-nikki-wyrd/feed/ 3 ancient civilizations,Art,Baphomet,chaos magick,conspiracy,ecology,entheogens,environmentalism,esoteric,esoteric orders,esotericism,Freemasonry Julian Vayne and Nikki Wyrd are our guests in podcast episode 127 to discuss The Book of Baphomet, which they co-wrote. "Julian Vayne is an occultist and the author of a number of books, essays and articles in both the academic and esoteric press. Julian Vayne and Nikki Wyrd are our guests in podcast episode 127 to discuss The Book of Baphomet, which they co-wrote. "Julian Vayne is an occultist and the author of a number of books, essays and articles in both the academic and esoteric press. His... gkaminsky clean http://occultofpersonality.net/jason-miller/ http://occultofpersonality.net/jason-miller/#comments Sun, 30 Dec 2012 05:59:41 +0000 gkaminsky http://occultofpersonality.net/?p=1425 http://occultofpersonality.net/jason-miller/feed/ 5 apocalypse,economic crisis,economy,esoteric,esotericism,finance,Magick,materialism,money,mysticism,occult,occultism Author, teacher, and sorcerer Jason Miller (A.K.A. Inominandum) is our guest in podcast episode 126 to discuss his most recent book, Financial Sorcery: Magical Strategies to Create Real and Lasting Wealth, published by New Page Books. Author, teacher, and sorcerer Jason Miller (A.K.A. Inominandum) is our guest in podcast episode 126 to discuss his most recent book, Financial Sorcery: Magical Strategies to Create Real and Lasting Wealth, published by New Page Books. Jason Miller had a series of psychic experiences when he was just 5 years old, which sparked his interest in the occult. He took up the practice of both High Magic and Hoodoo Rootworking while still a teenager, learning how ceremonial and folk magic can work together and complement each other. He’s been involved with a number of orders and groups throughout the years, always seeking the quintessence of the art. He has traveled to New Orleans to study Hoodoo, Europe to study witchcraft and ceremonial magic, and Nepal to study Tantra. Miller is a consecrated Bishop in the Gnostic and Apostolic Lines of Succession, a member of the Chthonic Ouranian Temple and the Sangreal Sodality, as well as an initiated Tantrika in the Nyingma and Bon lineages of Tibet. In addition to his most recent book, Financial Sorcery, Jason has also written Protection and Reversal Magick: A Witch’s Defense Manual and The Sorcerer’s Secrets: Strategies in Practical Magick. He teaches a year-long Strategic Sorcery course and you can find him online at strategicsorcery.net. Miller begins the interview by describing his interest in the occult and magick, which began in early childhood and has extended into accomplishments within a variety of traditions spanning the globe. Next, Jason talks about his intention in devoting a book to the subject of finances. It seems logical to ask the question that if magick is real and works, why aren't practitioners wealthy? Although some are, there are many more who desire to be more comfortable financially. Miller discusses how oftentimes our relationship with money is probably not what it should be, explains why that is, and shares tips on developing a healthier attitude. From there it's a matter of employing the proper strategies and techniques to create success. He also addresses why practical magick is important and the consequences of paths which view material wealth as an obstacle to spiritual attainment. Miller also spends time talking about the current economic crisis, ways to think about poverty, and why he believes theological justifications for wealth and poverty are inaccurate. Jason also shares his insights about the syncretic nature of his work and the respect he's earned from other esoteric teachers. If you're looking for a book that will guide you to a better understanding of, and perspective about, personal finances through a magickal lens, I can think of no better text than Jason Miller's Financial Sorcery. The practical magickal advice contained within has the potential to alter one's relationship with money, allowing for mastery instead of struggle. Highly recommended! In the Occult of Personality Membership Section, Jason Miller shares some practical magickal guidance for dealing with personal finances. We also discuss some strategies that were not included in the book! Please join us for that informative interview. Here's a phenomenal offer from our most recent guest, Jason Miller: purchase a 3-month subscription to the Occult of Personality Membership Section for $23.85 and Jason will reduce the price of his 52 lesson Strategic Sorcery course by that same amount. If you've been waiting to check out the Occult of Personality Membership Section and / or Jason's Strategic Sorcery course, now is the time! This offer won't last forever, so please take advantage of it while you can. Jason Miller - Inominandum Financial Sorcery: Magical Strategies to Create Real and Lasting Wealth by Jason Miller The Sorcerer's Secrets: Strategies in Practical Magick by Jason Miller Strategic Sorcery Blog Strategic Sorcery Training Course intro music by HipGnosis and Paul Avgerinos outro music - "Like Tainted Money" by Robert Scott King gkaminsky clean http://occultofpersonality.net/eastern-thought-in-the-western-occult-world/ http://occultofpersonality.net/eastern-thought-in-the-western-occult-world/#comments Thu, 29 Nov 2012 18:39:59 +0000 gkaminsky http://occultofpersonality.net/?p=1396 http://occultofpersonality.net/eastern-thought-in-the-western-occult-world/feed/ 5 Alchemy,Aleister Crowley,Blavatsky,Buddhism,comparative religion,esoteric,esotericism,history,kundalini,Magick,mysticism,New Age The 2012 Seattle Esoteric Book Conference panel discussion, entitled "Eastern Thought in the Western Occult World," was recorded on Sunday, September 16, 2012. Craig Williams and Gordan Djurdjevic were the participants and the discussion was moderated ... The 2012 Seattle Esoteric Book Conference panel discussion, entitled "Eastern Thought in the Western Occult World," was recorded on Sunday, September 16, 2012. Craig Williams and Gordan Djurdjevic were the participants and the discussion was moderated by Greg Kaminsky, the host and producer of Occult of Personality podcast. In addition, this recording was made possible by the hosts of the Esoteric Book Conference - William Kiesel of Ouroboros Press and Catamara Rosarium of Rosarium Blends. Most of the key historical figures of the Western esoteric tradition, including the Knights Templar, the mythical Brother C.R.C., Helena Blavatsky, Albert Pike, and Aleister Crowley have found both inspiration and instruction from Eastern sources. The journey to the East has always held a place of tremendous importance for those interested in esotericism and this trend continues today. Almost every practitioner and teacher of Western esotericism that I know of has very deep roots in Eastern tradition(s). Most books on the subject employ Sanskrit terms to relate ideas because readers are already more familiar with words that come from a foreign culture. What are some of the deeper implications of these facts? In this panel discussion, our intention was to examine some of the pervasive Eastern influence in Western esotericism with the hope of gaining greater understanding. It is our hope that a deeper grasp of the historical and cultural influences from the East leads to a greater appreciation of the Western esoteric tradition, inspiring further attainment and realization by its practitioners. During the 90 minute discussion, the panel explored some of the manifestations of Eastern philosophies and practices that inform and enliven the Western esoteric tradition, including the allure of the exotic, Tantra and misconceptions, the influence of Helena Blavatsky and the Theosophical Society, Aleister Crowley's syncretic approach to magick, the integration of Eastern philosophy and practice in the West, and views of attainment and accomplishment of the sages from the East versus the West. Craig Williams is a student of David Beth and an ordained Gnostic priest within the Ecclesia Gnostica Aeterna. Craig is one of the few westerners to receive the “Vedakovid” title from David Frawley and the American Institute of Vedic Studies recognizing initiatic study in Yoga, Ayurveda, Tantra, Jyotish and Vedanta. With undergraduate degrees in Religious Studies, Philosophy and English Literature and a Master’s Degree in Oriental Medicine, Craig lives in Austin, Texas where he has a private medical practice specializing in Ayurveda, Yoga, Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture. He is a licensed acupuncturist and a professional member of the American Herbalist Guild and National Ayurvedic Medical Association. His writings have appeared in a number of anthologies and journals. Most recently his article “Beyond the Paths of Frustration: Daath Gnosis” is included in the upcoming Clavis Journal. Gordan Djurdjevic holds a Ph.D. from the Department of Asian Studies at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. He is the author of Masters of Magical Powers: The Nāth Yogis in the Light of Esoteric Notions, “The Great Beast as a Tantric Hero: The Role of Yoga and Tantra in Aleister Crowley’s Magick” published in Aleister Crowley and Western Esotericism, and the forthcoming India and the Occult: The Influence of South Asian Spirituality on 20th Century British Occultism. It was an honor for me to moderate this panel discussion and I'm so grateful to William Kiesel and Catamara Rosarium for the invitation, as well as Craig Williams and Gordan Djurdjevic for an educational and lively discussion. The experience and insight the two of them expressed in their responses to the questions was both illuminating and entertaining. They also articulated a significant desire for the growth and further development of Western esotericism. gkaminsky clean