Originally published on November 18, 2008
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Carroll “Poke” Runyon is the Archimage of Ordo Templi Astartes, the longest running, continuously operating magical lodge in the U.S.A. He and his order have published a remarkable series of books and videos detailing their Workings in Solomonic Magick, scrying, and seasonal rites.
Our conversation begins as Poke describes his early life and how he became interested in esoteric ideas and practices, primarily for health reasons. We discuss the various aspects and practices that encourage personal unfoldment, including certain yogic disciplines, universal archetypes and symbolism, and relating scientific concepts to more ancient Hermetic ideas. Poke then gets into discussing using self-hypnosis as part of the scrying process and how he discovered this important ingredient. From there we get into talking about Phoenician Canaanite religion and mythology as well as the seasonal rites that celebrate them.
Phoenician Canaanite religion is directly related to the concept of the Temple of Solomon and builder Chiram Abiff. Next, we discuss the the Lost Word of Freemasonry. Poke explains how the legend relates the concept that, “Only the Kings still understand that the Lost Word is Light within us all.” Poke tells us how, historically, Freemasonry has always provided a common ground for men of different faiths and creeds to come together as equals. He also discusses the more modern transformations that have occurred, specifically with regard to the 28th degree of the Scottish Rite – The Knight of the Sun or Prince Adept.
Then we talk about Poke’s film, “Beyond Lemuria: The Shaver Mystery and the Secret of Mt. Shasta.” He describes the way he was fascinated by Richard Shaver and had his own experience on Mt. Shasta. The film features Lon DuQuette, Paul Clark and Merrick Hamer, as well as a story that employs mystery, myth, magick, and spirituality to take the viewer on a journey.
As Poke explains at the conclusion to our conversation, we need to “know what our obligation to the Light is … No matter what you believe or what you revere, it is your way to the Light. The same Light is within everybody and the only place you’ll find it is inside yourself.”
relevant links:
“The Book of Solomon’s Magick” by Carroll “Poke” Runyon
“The Magick of Solomon” DVD, 2nd ed.
“Dark Mirror of Magick” DVD, 2nd ed.
“Rites of Magick” DVD
“Secrets of the Golden Dawn Cypher Manuscript” by Carroll “Poke” Runyon
“Mysteries of Mt. Shasta: Home of the Underground Dwellers and Ancient Gods” featuring Poke Runyon
“Beyond Lemuria” DVD (featuring Paul Clark and Lon Milo DuQuette)
“Carl Jung” Wikipedia entry
“Supernatural: Meetings With the Ancient Teachers of Mankind” by Graham Hancock
“Raja Yoga” Wikipedia entry
“Tantra” Wikipedia entry
“Remote Viewing: The Complete User’s Manual for Coordinate Remote Viewing” by David Morehouse
“The Hebrew Goddess” by Raphael Patai
“Phoenician Canaanite Religion”
“Knight of the Sun or Prince Adept”
“The Lost Word” from Mackey’s “The Symbolism of Freemasonry”
“Richard Sharpe Shaver” Wikipedia entry
intro music by HipGnosis
“The Emerald Tablet of Hermes” read by Poke Runyon
Hi Poke,
This is Richard; I met you on the trip to Phoenix in May and had the privilege of receiving one of your complimentary DVDs of “Beyond Lemuria;” I had one of your cards but misplaced it. Anyway, I wanted to know if you had the Premier of the film yet. If not, I would like to know when you plan it and will try to be available.
Best regards,
Richard S.