Weird Studies Episode 89: On Ishmael Reed's 'Mumbo Jumbo,' or, Why We Need More Magical Thinking
Jan 6, 2021
A romp through Ishmael Reed's Mumbo Jumbo as musical fiction and cultural spellwork. They trace Jes Grew's spread via 1970s rhythms, radio, and stride piano. Conversations map Afrocentric loas, Atenist opposition, and conspiratorial riffs. The hosts debate hyperstition, participatory art, and how careful magical thinking differs from dangerous superstition.
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Left-Hand Sacred vs Right-Hand Control
- Reed distinguishes sacred left-hand practice from selfish right-hand sorcery as ethical magical difference.
- The Atenists aim to control Jess Grew's power rather than let it liberate and enliven people.
Templar Lore Fueling Von Vampton
- J.F. Martel recounts the Knights Templar lore: power, accusations, and occult links with Islamic esotericism.
- The Templars' story supplies Reed with material for Von Vampton's ambiguous occult role.
Logos As Choreography
- Reed reframes the Book of Thoth as choreography: logos becomes dance and music.
- Misreading that choreography produces control-oriented distortions across history.
