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Thelema Now Dr. Justin Sledge

Thelema NOW! - Thu, 14/03/2024 - 22:38

In this episode of ThelemaNOW, Harper talks with one of the most effective educators in the current occultosphere, Dr. Justin Sledge.

Dr. Sledge earned his undergraduate degree at Millsaps College then went for a DRS in religious studies (Western Esotericism and Related Currents) at the Universiteit van Amsterdam and a MA and PhD in philosophy at the University of Memphis. He is currently a part-time professor of philosophy and religion at several institutions in the Metro-Detroit area and a popular local educator.

One half of Dr. Sledge’s work engages with Religious Studies specifically in the so-called “Western Esoteric Tradition” or Hermetic Tradition in religious and philosophical thought.  In this line of research he seeks to grasps the philosophical commitments which underpin the alleged workings of magic, esoteric influence, spirit possession, alchemy, etc.  This field of inquiry brings him primarily into contact with philosophers and intellectuals regrettably disregarded by the modern philosophic canon. The other half of his work engages in metaphysics, ethics and radial political philosophy.

His popular Youtube channel “Esoterica” is his ongoing project of Dr. Sledge explores topics in Western Esotericism such as magic, mysticism, alchemy, kabbalah, hermetic philosophy, theosophy, and more.

This interview is so full of fireworks, Harper needed a stiff beverage when it was over. She’d do it again in a heartbeat!

Dr. Justin Sledge's website.

ESOTERICA - YouTube

Thelema NOW! Guest: Andrew Phillip Smith

Thelema NOW! - Fri, 23/02/2024 - 20:51

This episode of Thelema, NOW! represents our first foray into the incredible world of Welsh magic. Andrew Phillip Smith gives Harper a lesson in language and history as they relate to magic in and near his home in Wales. The interview ends with a special treat in which Andrew gives license to depart in Welsh! Check out Andrew's books and author page on Amazon

Thelema Now! Guest: P.D. Newman

Thelema NOW! - Fri, 02/02/2024 - 00:08
In this ThelemaNOW episode, Harper and P.D. “Danny” Newman discuss his new book, Theurgy: Theory and Practice, published by Inner Traditions. This is a delightful conversation with a charming guest over a book that is already renowned! Chief topics of conversation were the extraction of the roots of Theurgy in the Shamanism of Thrace, the conversion of Hekate from underworld psychopomp to World Soul, and the known history of the Chaldean Oracles.    P. D. Newman has been immersed in the study and practice of alchemy, hermetism, and theurgy for more than two decades. A member of both the Masonic Fraternity and the Society of Rosicrucians, he lectures internationally and has published articles in many esoteric journals, including The Scottish Rite Journal, Knights Templar Magazine, and Ad Lucem. He is the author of Angels in Vermilion: The Philosophers’ Stone from Dee to DMT and Alchemically Stoned: The Psychedelic Secret of Freemasonry.

Thelema Now! Guests: Peter JENX and Frater Acher

Thelema NOW! - Sat, 25/11/2023 - 01:07

In this dramatic follow on to the Peter JENX on ThaiOccult 2 Harper leads a conversation between Frater Acher and Peter JENX on the topic of magical talismans. They not only consider the significance of human remains in talismans, but also a world view that knows how to regard every object as a talismanic manifestation.

USGL annual report for fiscal year 2022 published

OTO US Grand Lodge - Sat, 11/11/2023 - 04:04

The U.S. Grand Lodge O.T.O. annual report for fiscal year 2022 has been published. This and all previous annual reports can be found here.

Thelema Now: Peter Jenx

Thelema NOW! - Tue, 19/09/2023 - 14:05

Peter Jenx is the guest on this episode of Thelema NOW, and Harper talks to him on the occasion of the release of the long-awaited sequel to his first book “The Thai Occult.” “The Thai Occult Two” explores the wide regional variations in Thai folk magic. This interview explores the place of the “ajarn” or local sorcerer in Thailand, their selection and training. We also talk about the nature of the lineages, and how the tradition – even the magic itself – changes with the needs of the people the ajarns serve. This is a wild ride! 

Besides the amazing things that Peter says in this interview, he tells us that he is nearly done writing the third in the series; be assured that you’ll hear Peter Jenx’s voice again on TN when that book is released!

Thelema Now! Guest: Larry Roberts

Thelema NOW! - Fri, 15/09/2023 - 01:11
This Thelema, NOW!  episode features a conversation between Harper and Larry Roberts. Larry is the heart of Miskatonic Books. Miskatonic is an online store encompassing everything between esoteric and occult books and dark fantasy, classic horror and supernatural fiction. Larry and Debra, his wife, and their kids have been in the bookselling business for 30 years and have been publishing titles in various genres for 21 years. In 2009, Miskatonic won the Bram Stoker Award for Excellence in Specialty Press Publishing. Larry puts out an appetizer on Facebook every morning to lure our credit cards from the depths of our pockets into the light of day. On any given day, you might find offerings from Scarlet Imprint, Three Hands Press, Xoanon, Ouroboros Press, Teitan Press, Aeon Sophia Press, Nephilim Press, IXAXAAR… In short, Larry has his fingers in the only pie that all occultists can agree upon: BOOKS. He’s also a fascinating person with a deep spiritual practice and a great interviewee! Please join Harper and Larry as they discuss what it’s like to be the High Priest of Miskatonic!  

Thelema NOW Robert Allen

Thelema NOW! - Fri, 01/09/2023 - 17:43

In this episode of ThelemaNOW, Harper talks with actor, dancer, director and ceremonial magician Robert Allen about his new book Imago: Body. Vision. Magick, recently released by Theion Publishing.

The book leads us to some amazing discussions about the very significant overlap between magick and theater, and the history of the image, and Robert reveals one of the many useful exercises in the book.

To buy the book: https://theionpublishing.com/shop/imago/ To learn about Robert’s workshops: https://performancemovementmagick.com/

Virtual Veneration: How Technology is Reshaping Religious Experiences

ModernGnosis - Thu, 10/08/2023 - 05:43

From virtual sabbaths to live streaming services, technology is profoundly changing how we engage in and experience religion. From remote communities to online pilgrimages, our ancient faith traditions are entering a new era of the digital age – one that can provide opportunities for greater connection, understanding, and celebration among people around the globe. In this blog post, we will explore how virtual veneration is being used to revolutionize religious involvement today through access to religious content online as well as enabling faith-based apps like prayer walls and social networks. We’ll also look into what potential impact technology could have on spiritual practice in the coming years. Whether you consider yourself a tech enthusiast or dabbler — let’s dive into this fascinating exploration of modernizing religion!

Overview of virtual religious services and how they are changing the way people practice their faith

In today’s digital age, virtual religious services have become increasingly popular, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. By utilizing video conferencing, live streaming, and other online tools, people from all over the world can participate in religious gatherings and practices without leaving their homes. This change has brought about a new era of accessibility, inclusivity, and convenience for those who may not have been able to participate in physical gatherings before. Furthermore, many religious communities have embraced technology and adapted their practices to fit the virtual format, creating unique experiences that are exclusive to online participants. As technology continues to evolve, it’s interesting to see how virtual religious services will continue to shape and transform the way people practice their faith.

Examining the Benefits of Virtual Worship

Virtual worship has become increasingly popular, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. While some might argue that it doesn’t quite compare to in-person services, the benefits of virtual worship should not be overlooked. For one, it offers incredible convenience, allowing people to participate in services from the comfort of their own homes. Additionally, virtual worship can be a great way for people who might not otherwise have access to a community of believers to connect with others and feel a sense of belonging. Plus, it opens up opportunities for people to attend services that they might not have been able to attend otherwise, whether due to distance, disability, or other reasons. Overall, virtual worship is a powerful tool that can help bring people together and foster a sense of unity and community, even from afar.

The Challenges Facing Virtual Religious Services

As the pandemic continues to change the way we create and consume content, many religious services have turned to virtual platforms to offer their services. Unfortunately, the transition has not been without its challenges. From technical issues to feeling disconnected from community members, virtual religious services have posed obstacles that religious leaders are still trying to navigate. Despite this, there are some silver linings. Virtual religious services have enabled worshippers to participate in services without geographical limitations and have made religious services accessible to those who may have previously struggled to attend in-person services. As the world continues to adapt, it will be interesting to see how virtual religious services evolve and whether they will continue to play a significant role even after the pandemic subsides.

How Technology Can Enhance Traditional Religious Practices

Technology has the amazing ability to enhance traditional religious practices, allowing for new kinds of experiences that weren’t possible before. For example, virtual reality can transport worshippers to faraway holy sites or provide a glimpse of different religious ceremonies and customs. Additionally, technology allows for greater access to religious texts and teachings, with online databases of religious texts and apps providing guided meditations and prayers. Social media platforms can also create communities of believers who may not have access to physical religious centers, providing a sense of connection and support. Ultimately, technology can serve as a valuable tool in enhancing and enriching traditional religious practices, providing new opportunities for spiritual growth and connection.

Investigating Potential Dangers of Virtual Worship

As the pandemic continues to restrict in-person gatherings, more and more people are turning to virtual worship services. While this alternative has allowed religious communities to stay connected and continue their practices, there are concerns about potential dangers associated with virtual worship. One concern is the risk of technological malfunctions that could disrupt services. Another worry is the lack of accountability and oversight, with some fearing that virtual worship services could be used to spread harmful or extremist messaging. There is also the threat of scams and fraud when going online for religious purposes, with some people preying on the vulnerable and taking advantage of people’s trust. It’s important to be aware of these potential dangers and take steps to protect ourselves while participating in virtual worship services.

Exploring How Technology is Creating New Types of Spiritual Experiences

As technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, it is not just changing the way we work and communicate, but also how we experience spirituality. With the rise of virtual reality and augmented reality technologies, a whole new world of spiritual experiences is being created. From virtual trips to sacred places around the world to immersive guided meditations, technology is making it possible for people to connect with their spirituality in completely new ways. Even traditional religious practices like prayer and meditation can be enhanced with the use of apps and wearables that track biometric data and provide personalized feedback. As we continue to explore the intersection of technology and spirituality, it is clear that the possibilities are endless and that we have only scratched the surface of what is possible.

It is evident that virtual religious services have become an integral part of our lives in this digital era. Through virtual worship, people can practice their faith with greater convenience and flexibility, while still engaging in meaningful ways. However, there are also potential challenges to be aware of, such as technological issues that could potentially disrupt the user experience. Even so, technology is undoubtedly enriching traditional religious practices and is even creating new types of spiritual experiences. The various ways in which technology has had a positive impact on religion demonstrate the great potential of virtual religious services going forward. Of course though, ultimately it is up to each individual worshipper to decide whether virtual worship best suits their needs for spiritual connection and growth.

The post Virtual Veneration: How Technology is Reshaping Religious Experiences first appeared on Moderngnosis.

Categories: Blogs, Multimedia

Thelema Now! Guest: Brian Cotnoir

Thelema NOW! - Tue, 01/08/2023 - 21:48

In this episode of ThelemaNOW, Harper talks with Brian Cotnoir on the occasion of the release of his new book “On Alchemy.” Brian has been practicing alchemy as the art and science of perfecting a process for many years. The book is your opportunity to participate in his current, along with the classic history of the practice and many illuminating exercises. Hear more about it in this fascinating discussion!

Buy the book here: On Alchemy by Brian Cotnoir: 9781786787705 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books

See more of Brian’s work here: www.KhepriPress.com

NOTOCON Hotel Registration Closing

OTO US Grand Lodge - Thu, 20/07/2023 - 17:45

NOTOCON XIV is fast approaching! The cutoff date to receive our group rate at the hotel is Friday, July 21st. Please reserve now.

The speaker schedule has been published on the NOTOCON website. Event registration is still open! We can’t wait to see all of you in August, and wish you all safe travels!

How Diverse Cultural Perspectives Shape Cyber Security Practices

ModernGnosis - Fri, 07/07/2023 - 07:21

Cybersecurity is a global concern that affects everyone, regardless of their cultural background. It’s no secret that the way we approach cyber security often depends on our point of view; different countries, social systems, and cultures inevitably lead to diverse risk management strategies and procedures. Yet despite this diversity in opinion and approaches, the importance of cyber security remains consistent across all cultures: protecting electronic data is essential for preserving individual privacy, as well as organizational integrity. Let us delve into how diverse cultural perspectives shape the ever-evolving landscape of cyber security practices—demonstrating just how integral understanding worldwide views can be when establishing effective safety protocols for today’s digital times.

Understanding the Role of Culture and Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is a critical concern for organizations. However, you may be surprised to learn that culture plays a significant role in maintaining a secure cyber environment. Culture encompasses the values, beliefs, and norms that guide behavior within an organization. In terms of cyber security, culture can influence the way employees interact with company technology, handle sensitive data, and respond to security threats. For example, a company that emphasizes a culture of transparency and open communication may be more likely to catch and report potential security breaches than a company that is more closed off. Understanding the relationship between culture and cyber security is essential for organizations looking to establish a strong, sustainable security system.

Identifying Common Cultural Perspectives on Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is a global concern that affects everyone, regardless of their cultural background. It’s no secret that the way we approach cyber security often depends on our point of view; different countries, social systems, and cultures inevitably lead to diverse risk management strategies and procedures. Yet despite this diversity in opinion and approaches, the importance of cyber security remains consistent across all cultures: protecting electronic data is essential for preserving individual privacy, as well as organizational integrity. Let us delve into how diverse cultural perspectives shape the ever-evolving landscape of cyber security practices—demonstrating just how integral understanding worldwide views can be when establishing effective safety protocols for today’s digital times.

Implications of Language Barriers in Cyber Security Practices

Cyber security is more important than ever. However, language barriers can present significant challenges when it comes to implementing effective cybersecurity practices. With a global workforce, communication between team members in different countries is critical, especially when it comes to cyber security incidents. In addition, cybercriminals are increasingly using language barriers to their advantage in their attacks. This means that we need to consider the implications of language barriers in cyber security practices and develop strategies to overcome them. The consequences of failing to do so can be devastating, not just for individual organizations, but for the wider community as a whole.

Examining How Different Cultures Approach Data Protection Responsibilities

Information is currency. Every industry, regardless of size or specialty, requires data protection protocols. However, not all cultures approach the subject of data protection and privacy in the same way. Some cultures value individual privacy more highly thus they have protection for identity theft, while others prioritize collective security. Understanding how different cultures approach data protection responsibilities is essential in today’s ever-evolving digital landscape. Examining these differences can ultimately lead to improved collaboration, communication, and respect for differing viewpoints as we strive to protect our most valuable resource – information.

Exploring the Impact of Cultural Values on Cyber Security Protocols

The impact of cultural values on these security measures is often overlooked. Different cultures have different attitudes and beliefs when it comes to privacy, data sharing, and even the use of technology itself. These cultural values can greatly influence the way individuals approach cyber security protocols, which in turn can have a significant impact on the effectiveness of those protocols. Understanding and acknowledging the role of cultural values in cyber security is an important step towards creating more comprehensive and inclusive strategies to protect our digital lives.

Identifying Opportunities to Integrate Various Cultural Perspectives in Cyber Security Policies and Practices

Many cyber security policies and practices have been developed with a limited cultural perspective, which can lead to unintended consequences and biases. Identifying opportunities to integrate various cultural perspectives into these policies and practices can not only improve their effectiveness but also ensure that they are equitable and inclusive. By fostering collaboration and dialogue across diverse groups, we can create more robust cybersecurity measures that better meet the needs of everyone. With the rapid pace of technological advancement, there has never been a more urgent time to prioritize these important conversations.

Cultural values and attitudes around cyber security have an immense impact on how cyber security protocols, policies, and practices are developed. It is essential organizations ensure they are aware of how culture affects data protection responsibilities in order to create secure systems. In doing so, it is even more imperative to consider the implications of language barriers as well as how different cultures approach cyber security. By integrating culturally diverse perspectives into cyber security initiatives, complex, unified solutions can be better refined to meet the specific cultural needs of enterprises. Overall, understanding the role of culture and its influence on cyber security is critical for businesses to establish effective strategies for protecting their data assets and mitigating risks.

Religion, faith and the role they play today https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paVXPXoyDdo Read More How Diverse Cultural Perspectives Shape Cyber Security Practices Cybersecurity is a global concern that affects everyone, regardless of their cultural background. It’s no secret that the way we approach cyber security often depends on our point of view; different countries, social systems, and cultures inevitably lead to diverse... Read More Exploring the Intersection of Culture and Religion Religion is a powerful force that has been influencing humans for thousands of years. It shapes our lives and our identities, often dictating how we interact with each other and how we view the world. But religion does not exist in a vacuum—it is closely intertwined... Read More The New Age of Religion: How to Connect with Spirituality in the 21st Century There are many different ways to find spirituality without having to go to a church or read religious texts. You can connect with your spiritual side by exploring meditation, yoga, aromatherapy, and more. These activities can help you find a sense of peace and calm in... Read More Why Culture Matters In The Age Of Globalization The world is rapidly shrinking. With globalization, people and businesses are more interconnected than ever before. And as this happens, culture becomes increasingly important. Culture is the glue that holds societies together and gives them their unique identities.... Read More How to Be Active in Your Religion and Church: Tips for Getting Involved Are you looking for ways to get more involved in your church or religion? If so, you're not alone. Many people are looking for ways to deepen their spiritual lives and connect with others who share their beliefs. This blog post will discuss some tips for getting more... Read More 5 signs that you are using religion to control others In a world where religion is often used for control, this blog post will help you recognize when someone else may be using your beliefs to manipulate and control you. If any of these signs seem familiar, know that it's not too late. Let go of toxic relationships with... Read More Getting Ready for Summer Church Camp? Here are 7 Things to Remember Kids love summer camp. It is the one time they get to stay out of home and school and enjoy life even as they learn more about religion. Even when kids do not join church summer camps, most parents take the beauty of summer to give them an outdoor experience. Camps... Read More Workout Activities for Religious People Just like other things in life, there are several extremes in the lives of religious people. While some of them focus on their physical body to the neglect of their spirituality, others focus so much attention on their spirituality that they neglect their physical... Read More Camera Used for Religious Activities A camera is a must-have gadget like a phone, it helps you capture scenes for future reference and make spiritual activities memorable. Religious activities involve mountain hikes; prayer sessions in caves; outdoor mission and crusades. All these functions need a... Read More

The post How Diverse Cultural Perspectives Shape Cyber Security Practices first appeared on Moderngnosis.

Categories: Blogs, Multimedia

Thelema Now! Guest: Peter Mark Adams

Thelema NOW! - Tue, 27/06/2023 - 18:54

Peter Mark Adams is an author, poet, esotericist and professional energy worker specializing in the ethnography and visuality of ritual, sacred landscape, esotericism, consciousness and healing. With a background in Philosophy from the University of Liverpool, Peter pursues advanced studies on iconology and iconographic; Renaissance art and material culture with the Warburg Institute’s School of Advanced Studies in London. Peter’s esoteric non-fiction is published through Scarlet Imprint Current offerings include the book discussed in the interview: Hagia Sophia - Sanctum of Kronos: Spiritual Dissent in an Age of Tyranny, Mystai: Dancing out the Mysteries of Dionysos and The Game of Saturn: Decoding the Sola-Busca Tarocchi. To buy Hagia Sophia – Sanctum of Kronos: https://scarletimprint.com/publications/p/hagia-sophia-sanctum-of-kronos 

To hear the remarkable sounds described by Peter in the interview: https://youtu.be/rsLgLNgA-_Q

Summer 2023 issue of Agapé available

OTO US Grand Lodge - Thu, 08/06/2023 - 06:10

The Summer 2023 issue of Agapé, the official journal of U.S. Grand Lodge O.T.O., is now available. This and all previous issues can be found here.

Thelema Now! Guest: Red K. Elders

Thelema NOW! - Tue, 09/05/2023 - 23:31

In this fascinating ThelemaNOW episode, Harper talks to friend and colleague Red K. Elders about art and movement, magic and bodies. Red’s perhaps best known for her stellar pencil drawings inspired by Greek mythological figures. She’s also a bodyworker and movement therapist. Underneath everything, she understands what it means to be nourished by the natural world, something we discuss in detail.

Click to view her principal website and one devoted to sales of her wonderful art. 

Also, we talk a bit about Red’s upcoming class with the Blackthorne School entitled Somatic Sorcery, which starts Monday, May 15!

The class description and registration site are here: https://www.theblackthorneschool.com/courses/somatic-sorcery/

NOTOCON Speaker F.AQ.

OTO US Grand Lodge - Fri, 28/04/2023 - 08:51

For potential speakers, a handy FAQ full of useful information is available here.

Thelema Now! Guest: Scott Michael Stenwick

Thelema NOW! - Fri, 28/04/2023 - 01:24

In this wide-ranging interview, Scott Michael Stenwick and Harper talk about everything between John Dee and quantum mechanics, by way of Eugene Wigner and the Falkland Islands.

Scott is an author, blogger, esotericist, software developer, information technology consultant, and speculative fiction enthusiast. He writes fantasy and science fiction, and non-fiction books on the Western Esoteric Tradition. He also contributes to non-fiction anthologies that cover topics related to magical practices and esoteric spirituality.

Read more about Scott on his websites ScottStenwick.com and Blogspot.  And buy the book we discussed here or on Amazon here. 

 

NOTOCON Speaker Deadline Approaching

OTO US Grand Lodge - Sat, 22/04/2023 - 20:01

The deadline to propose a presentation for National O.T.O. Conference XIV in Denver, CO, is May 10, 2023.

Spring 2023 issue of Agapé available

OTO US Grand Lodge - Fri, 21/04/2023 - 05:01

The Spring 2023 issue of Agapé, the official journal of U.S. Grand Lodge O.T.O., is now available. This and all previous issues can be found here.

Exploring the Intersection of Culture and Religion

ModernGnosis - Sat, 10/12/2022 - 15:10

Religion is a powerful force that has been influencing humans for thousands of years. It shapes our lives and our identities, often dictating how we interact with each other and how we view the world. But religion does not exist in a vacuum—it is closely intertwined with culture, which can vary drastically from one society to another. Let’s take a look at how culture and religion are connected.

The Connection between Culture and Religion

The relationship between culture and religion is twofold: not only does religion influence culture, but culture also influences religion. On one hand, religion dictates many cultural norms such as dress codes, dietary restrictions, customs, traditions, and laws. For example, Jewish people have strict dietary laws known as kashrut which dictate what food they are allowed to eat or prepare. On the other hand, culture can also shape religious beliefs and practices. In some cultures, certain religious practices are seen as normal while others are viewed as strange or unacceptable.

For instance, in some societies it is perfectly acceptable to practice yoga while in others it is considered taboo due to its spiritual roots. Similarly, some religions have certain taboos that vary from one society to another; for example, in some Muslim societies women cannot show their faces in public while in others this is perfectly acceptable behavior. As such, there is no single “correct” way to practice any given religion—it depends on where you live and the cultural norms of your society.

 

The Influence of Globalization

As globalization increases our interconnectedness more than ever before, so too does it influence our beliefs about religious practices around the world. The internet has made it easier than ever for people from different cultures to learn about each other’s religions and experiences. This increased understanding has led to an appreciation for diversity when it comes to religious beliefs—even if someone may not personally believe in a particular faith or practice it themselves (for example Hinduism or Buddhism), they may still recognize its value to those who do practice it and respect their right to do so without judgement or interference. This attitude of acceptance could not have been possible even a few decades ago prior to the rise of globalization! 

 

All in all,

In short, culture and religion have always been connected—but today that connection is stronger than ever before thanks to globalization. People’s views on religious practices vary depending on where they live; however, due to globalization we are becoming increasingly aware of different cultures around the world which allows us to appreciate them even if they don’t align with our own beliefs or experiences. All religions offer something valuable if we take the time to understand them—and by doing so we can forge lasting connections no matter where we come from!

The post Exploring the Intersection of Culture and Religion first appeared on Moderngnosis.

Categories: Blogs, Multimedia
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