Passport Through Hades

A health scare provokes some reflections on mortality before the conversation turns to developments in personal practice. Then we warm to our main theme: the relevance of the recently released Epstein files to the spiritual and magical community. Finally, we turn our attention to the paranormal, exploring an alternative understanding of its nature.Jeffery A. Martin and the Finder’s Course: https://tinyurl.com/msm258v7 (finderscourse.com). Accessed February 2026.Two emails from Jeffery Martin to Jeffrey Epstein: https://tinyurl.com/5xsz54jv, https://tinyurl.com/47zt385m (justice.gov). Accessed February 2026.Oxford University (2014). Ancient Carthaginians really did sacrifice their children, https://tinyurl.com/4rdmky3h (ox.ac.uk). Accessed February 2026.Robin Ngo (2025). At Carthage, Child Sacrifice? Tell-tale remains from Carthage Tophet point to child sacrifice, https://tinyurl.com/49pm5sf4 (biblicalarchaeology.org). Accessed February 2026.Judaism as a tradition that specifically outlawed child sacrifice. See: Leviticus 18: 21 and 20: 2-5; Deuteronomy 12: 31 and 18: 10; and Micah 6: 7-8: “Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”Pidyon Ha'Ben is a Jewish ceremony in which a firstborn son, at thirty-one days old, is "redeemed" from a kohen (a hereditary priest). The parents give the kohen five silver coins, symbolically "buying back" the child.For Dick’s dream, see: Philip K. Dick, The Exegesis of Philip K. Dick, edited by P. Jackson & J. Lethem (London: Gollancz, 2012), p. 262.Johannes Trimethius (c. 1500). Steganographia, https://tinyurl.com/yc3vabav (trithemius.com). Accessed February 2026.For Aquinas on angels as their own species, see: Summa Theologiae (First Part, Question 50, Article 4), https://tinyurl.com/3tedwzkp (newadvent.org). Accessed February 2026.For Steiner on the individual human as a species, see: Theosophy: An Introduction to the Supersensible Knowledge of the World and the Destination of Man (Memphis, TN: General, 1910), p. 26.For Steiner as a reincarnation of Aquinas, see: T.H. Meyer, Rudolf Steiner’s Core Mission: The Birth and Development of Spiritual-Scientific Karma Research (Forest Row, UK: Temple Lodge, 2010).Music: (Intro) "For Her Demon Lover" by OEITH; "Ippos Kardia" by Shedding Feathers; "Artiantatica" by Shedding Feathers; (Outro) "Hold Me While I Dissipate" by OEITH.Curl up with Duncan's novel, The Going Down, published by Sul Books, or peek beneath the veil through Occult Experiments in the Home: The Podcast Transcripts, published by Heptarchia. Available from the usual places. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After some general updates, our central theme is "the evocation of the evil genius". Taking its origin in a passing reference by Crowley, we trace the meaning and relevance of this idea through the work of Nick Land, Carl Jung, Crowley, Philip K. Dick, and -- not least, of course -- personal experience.The CCRU (Cybernetic Culture Research Unit) was founded at Warwick University, Coventry UK, in 1995.Nick Land and Aleksander Dugin can be seen and heard in a conversation recorded in October 2025 at: https://tinyurl.com/5sbbbbc9 (youtube.com). Accessed November, 2025.The Philip K. Dick novel that concludes in a conversation with a robot cab is: Now Wait for Last Year (1966).Music: (Intro) "For Her Demon Lover" by OEITH; "Who Left the Fridge Door Open Again?" by Shedding Feathers; "Your Car Doesn't Sound Too Healthy" by Shedding Feathers; (Outro) "Lifted Up" by OEITH.Curl up with Duncan's novel, The Going Down, published by Sul Books, or peek beneath the veil through Occult Experiments in the Home: The Podcast Transcripts, published by Heptarchia. Available from the usual places. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Explore the tension between politics and morality as the hosts challenge the idea of being apolitical. They dissect moral hypocrisy in political causes, emphasizing lived experience's role in shaping views. Delve into how prophetic expectations can lead to destructive outcomes, and consider the implications of failed institutions on spiritual movements. The discussion also reveals the complexities of their recent legal battle with a publisher, showcasing the struggles of balancing ideals with institutional pressures. It’s a dive into navigating a fallen world.

Explore the psychological landscape shaped by AI, where the dangers of chatbots and AI-induced psychosis blur the lines between technology and spirituality. The hosts delve into how these innovations can amplify personal drama and shadow work, echoing ancient magical traditions. They address the cultural implications of AI, from its role in shaping beliefs about progress to its potential for fostering paranoia akin to Philip K. Dick's insights. Ultimately, the discussion underscores the importance of distinguishing between appearances and deeper truths.

Explore the intricate role of a prophet as hosts delve into Crowley's struggles with his prophetic identity. They dissect the profound teachings of the Book of the Law and its connections to spiritual crises. The discussion encompasses Crowley’s emotional fatigue, his mystical experiences, and the transformational awakenings that shaped his journey. Themes of faith, morality, and the complexities of modern tolerance are woven throughout. Join them as they compare Crowley's experiences with the archetype of prophetic struggle.