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!

Michael and I look back at our discussions this season: Crowley’s Introduction to the Book of the LawLiber Reguli: the Ritual of the Mark of the Beast, & CommentaryFrater Achad’s Liber 31Chapter 7 of The Equinox of the GodsThe appendix of Achad's Q.B.L.and Chapter 5 of Achad's The Egyptian Revival. We'll also reply to some of the comments we've received, and reflect on where we see the series going in the future.

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/

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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!

The Star Sapphire is Aleister Crowley’s spin on the Hexagram Ritual of the Golden Dawn. First appearing in his little book of meditations entitled The Book of Lies, Falsely so-called, it joins The Star Ruby and the Mass of the Phoenix as rituals commonly associated with the Thelemic corpus. Edward Mason joins me to discuss this so-called ‘real snd perfect Ritual of the Hexagram.’