Exploration Arcanum

Why Millions Are Turning to Santa Muerte | Dr. Andrew Chesnut

In this episode of Exploration Arcanum, Dr. Andrew Chesnut joins Jason Nelson to explore Santa Muerte through the lenses of folk religion, Latin American spirituality, religious studies, cultural anthropology, and academia—and explain how the controversial Mexican folk saint became one of the world’s fastest-growing global religious movements.

Shop our guests and support Exploration Arcanum https://bookshop.org/shop/ExplorationArcanum

Dr. Andrew Chesnut's Links:

Socials:

https://www.instagram.com/drdeathanddivinity/

https://x.com/AndrewChesnut1

https://www.facebook.com/andrew.chesnut.3/

https://bsky.app/profile/drdeathanddivinity.bsky.social

Academia:

https://vcu.academia.edu/AndrewChesnut

https://globalreligions.vcu.edu/directory/chesnut.html

Blogs:

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/theglobalcatholicreview/

https://skeletonsaint.com/

Chapters:

0:00–0:37 — Intro
0:38–5:29 — How Dr. Chesnut first became interested in Santa Muerte
5:30–8:16 — Balancing academic rigor with empathy for devotees
8:17–11:32 — Pushback and criticism from different audiences
11:33–14:32 — Why people outside the drug-war context venerate Santa Muerte
14:33–17:30 — Santa Muerte’s growing presence in culture, games, and retail
17:31–20:01 — How fentanyl changed the narco landscape
20:02–24:13 — How social media spread Santa Muerte devotion internationally
24:14–26:34 — Why Santa Muerte resonates in the UK and Western Europe
26:35–29:28 — Santa Muerte, baby Jesus, and World Cup rituals
29:29–34:38 — Is Santa Muerte a universal archetype?
34:39–39:09 — How the Mexican government’s position has changed
39:10–42:14 — Los Angeles as a spiritual and occult hub
42:15–End — Dr. Chesnut’s book, future formats, and where to follow him

My guest today is astrologer and podcast host Erin Redwing.

In our conversation, we discuss Erin’s background in astronomy and how it led her into the worlds of astrology, the esoteric, and Bitcoin. We also explore the mythology surrounding Bitcoin's creator Satoshi Nakamoto, Bitcoin’s birth chart, the possibility of AI consciousness, and what ancient stories like Atlantis and the Tower of Babel can teach us about technological ambition.

I want to thank Erin for coming on the show. I’ll include links to her website and social media in the description below.

If you enjoy this episode, please give it a like and subscribe to Exploration Arcanum on YouTube and Spotify for more esoteric conversations.

Shop our Bookshop.org store and support Exploration Arcanum: https://bookshop.org/shop/ExplorationArcanum

Erin Redwing's links:
https://www.erinredwing.com/

https://x.com/realizingerin

https://www.tiktok.com/@UCmZJrWmSm3ralB4-Wn1NRhQ

The Hell Money Podcast: https://hell.money/

https://www.youtube.com/realizingerin

Aleister Crowley vs The Golden Dawn | Frater RC

My guest today is Frater RC, a Rosicrucian and Freemason who hosts the popular Hermetic podcast on YouTube.

In this episode, we explore the rich world of the occult, ceremonial magic, and the Golden Dawn tradition. Frater RC shares how his journey into Western esotericism began, what drew him to the Golden Dawn system, and how years of study and practice have shaped his understanding of magic.

Shop our Bookshop.org store and support Exploration Arcanum: https://bookshop.org/shop/ExplorationArcanum

Links

https://www.instagram.com/frater.rc/
https://www.arcaneresearchsociety.com/
https://www.arcaneresearchsociety.com/2026
Two-Part Course on the Enochian Magick of Fr. John Dee and Sir Edward Kelly with Frater RC: https://www.hermeticmysteryschool.com/experimenta-heptarchia-a-simple-introduction-to-enochian-magic?coupon=NELSON

Chapters

• 00:00:00 00:21 Introduction and Guest Welcome
• 00:00:21 01:04 Guest's Background in the Occult and Esoteric
• 00:01:04 01:55 Early Influences: Maharishi, Waldorf School, and Childhood Fascinations
• 00:01:55 02:59 Introduction to the OTO and Ecclesia Gnostica Catholica
• 00:02:59 03:55 Interest in Ceremonial Magic and the Golden Dawn
• 00:03:55 05:02 The Golden Dawn's Eastern Practices and Rituals
• 00:05:02 06:14 Personal Experiences with Meditation and Occult Forces
• 00:06:14 07:05 Discovering the Golden Dawn and Its Lineage
• 00:07:05 08:08 The Golden Dawn's Influence and Modern Practice
• 00:08:08 09:04 Getting Started with Golden Dawn Magic Solo Practice
• 00:09:04 10:01 The Role of Rituals and Visualizations in Magic
• 00:10:01 11:13 The Significance of the Holy Guardian Angel and True Will
• 00:11:13 12:06 The Future of Golden Dawn and Its Continuity
• 00:12:06 13:01 Upcoming Conferences: EnochiaCon and MagiCon
• 00:13:01 14:01 Exploring Enochian Magic and Its Practice
• 00:14:01 14:59 Crowley's Influence and Fictional Accounts of Magic
• 00:14:59 16:06 The Spirit World: Angels, Demons, and Discernment
• 00:16:06 17:00 The Sacred Space and Ritual Environment
• 00:17:00 17:58 Christianity and Occult Forces
• 00:17:58 19:05 The Growth of Golden Dawn and Its Modern Presence
• 00:19:05 19:54 The Diversity of Practitioners and Modern Adaptations
• 00:19:54 20:57 Getting Started with Golden Dawn Practice
• 00:20:57 21:55 Self-Initiation and the Limitations
• 00:21:55 22:57 Authenticity and Tradition in Golden Dawn Practice
• 00:22:57 24:13 Daily Rituals and the Importance of Sacred Practice
• 00:24:13 24:59 The Role of Visualizations and Symbols in Rituals
• 00:24:59 26:12 Enochian Magic: Angels or Sub-Lunar Spirits?
• 00:26:12 26:53 The Nature of Enochian Spirits and Their Origins
• 00:26:53 27:54 The Practice of Spirit Discernment and Declaration
• 00:27:54 28:49 The True Will and Its Kabbalistic Roots
• 00:28:49 29:48 The Future of Occult Conferences and Community Growth
• 00:29:48 end Closing Remarks and Future Events

My guest today is Ronnie Pontiac, author, astrologer, musician, researcher, and former assistant to Manly P Hall.

In this episode, we explore the hidden occult history of Los Angeles and how the city became one of the world's great centers of mystical thought.

From Madame Helena Blavatsky and the influence of Theosophy to Manly P. Hall and the Philosophical Research Society and the counter-culture of the 1960s, Ronnie traces the people, places, and movements that transformed Los Angeles into a magnet for spiritual seekers and occult organizations.

Links

Shop our Bookshop.org store and support Exploration Arcanum:

https://bookshop.org/shop/ExplorationArcanum

Ronnie Pontiac Links

Philosophical Research Society Series on Yesterday LA: https://www.prs.org/yesterdayla.html

A Presentation on Occult LA with Ronnie Pontiac (July 26 at 7pm)

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-presentation-on-occult-la-with-ronnie-pontiac-tickets-1989752907509

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theronniepontiac/Substack: https://substack.com/@ronniepontiac

Welcome back to Exploration Arcanum. My guest today is author, musician, and teacher Lon Milo DuQuette.

In this episode, DuQuette shares his lifelong journey into the occult, the evolution of Thelema and ceremonial magic, and insights into Aleister Crowley's influence on culture and the occult. He also discusses his new book Young Aleister Crowley and the Magicians’ Revolt.

I want to thank Lon for coming on the show. I'll put links to his work in the description below.

If you enjoy this episode, please give it a like and share it with your friends, and don't forget to subscribe to Exploration Arcanum here on YouTube, Spotify, and Substack.

Thank you.

Lon Milo DuQuette's links:https://www.lonmiloduquette.net/https://www.instagram.com/lon.duquette/https://lonmiloduquette.substack.com/Subscribe to Exploration Arcanum on Substack: https://explorationarcanum.substack.com/Shop our guests and support Exploration Arcanum: https://bookshop.org/shop/ExplorationArcanum

Welcome back to Exploration Arcanum. My name is Jason.

My guest today is Scarlett Amaris, an occultist, author, music video director, and screenwriter of the 2019 film adaptation of H.P. Lovecraft's Color Out of Space.

In this episode, we explore Scarlett's journey into the occult, why Lovecraft's work continues to resonate with horror fans, the mysterious nature of egregores and thoughtforms, and what it means to build a relationship with deities like Hecate. We also discuss the unique spiritual character of Los Angeles.

I'll put links to all of Scarlett's work and social media in the description below.

Thank you.

Scarlett's links

https://scarlettamaris.com/

https://www.instagram.com/scarlettamaris/

https://scarlettamaris.substack.com/

Upcoming Events --- https://www.magical-retreats.com/thesovereigncrown

Support Exploration Arcanum by shopping our guests' books

https://bookshop.org/shop/ExplorationArcanum

My guest today is Dr. Angela Puca, a scholar of Western esotericism whose work bridges the worlds of academia and modern magical practice. With a background in philosophy and religious studies, she has become one of the leading voices making the academic study of the occult accessible to a wider audience.In this episode, we discuss what it means to study the occult academically, how scholars research magical traditions, and where someone should begin if they want to follow a similar path. We also explore the true origins of the term Left-Hand Path, the resurgence of modern esotericism, and artificial intelligence's place in the future of magical practice.I want to thank Dr. Puca for coming on the show. I'll put links to her website and social media in the description below. If you enjoy this episode, please give it a like and subscribe to Exploration Arcanum on YouTube and Spotify for more esoteric conversations.Thank youSupport Exploration Arcanum and our guests at Bookshop Storefront https://bookshop.org/shop/ExplorationArcanumDr. Angela Puca’s Linkshttps://drangelapuca.com/https://drangelapuca.com/courseshttps://www.instagram.com/drangelapuca/https://www.tiktok.com/@drangelapucahttps://www.youtube.com/@drangelapuca

Welcome back to Exploration Arcanum. My guest today is Shira Chess, a media scholar, professor at the University of Georgia, and author of the new book The Unseen Internet.

In this episode, we explore the connections between technology and the occult, from techno-paganism and meme magic to artificial intelligence, and discuss why every new technological revolution seems to give rise to new forms of belief.

I'll put links to all of Shira's work and social media in the description below. If you enjoy this episode, please give it a like and subscribe to Exploration Arcanum here on YouTube.

You can also find the show on Spotify, so be sure to follow us there as well for more esoteric conversations.

Thank you.

Shira Chess' links https://unseeninternet.substack.com/

https://grady.uga.edu/faculty/shira-chess/https://www.instagram.com/shirachess/

https://mitpress.mit.edu/author/shira-chess-2026/Follow

Exploration Arcanum on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4pAHz5zengxeOp4jaCHdRs?si=a29d348f4b6c4703

Shop our guests and support Exploration Arcanum: https://bookshop.org/shop/ExplorationArcanum

Manifesting By The Moon | Getting Started with Moon MagicWelcome back to Exploration Arcanum.My guest today is Jen Sankey, an author, tarot deck creator, and professional witch. In this episode, Jen shares her personal journey into the occult, her new book Manifesting By The Moon, as well as practical tips for beginners to weave moon magic into their daily spiritual practices.I'll put links to all of Jen's work and social media in the description below. If you enjoy this episode, please give it a like and subscribe to Exploration Arcanum here on YouTube. You can also find the show on Spotify, so be sure to follow us there as well for more esoteric conversations.Thank you.Jen Sankey Links:https://stardustwanderertarot.com/https://www.instagram.com/stardustwanderertarot/Shop our guests and support Exploration Arcanum: https://tinyurl.com/4tyfy3vt

Kenneth Anger, Hollywood Babylon & the Occult Los Angeles

Welcome back to Exploration Arcanum.

In this episode, I'm joined by filmmaker, artist, and occultist Lisa Derrick. We talk about what first drew her to the occult, her upcoming show in Los Angeles, and why Kenneth Anger's work, including Hollywood Babylon and Lucifer Rising, continues to inspire and captivate.

We also explore Thelema, the occult history and spirit of Los Angeles, and why Hollywood has long been a meeting place for artists, mystics, and seekers. I want to thank Lisa for joining me on the show. You'll find links to her work in the description below.

If you enjoy this episode, please like the video and subscribe to Exploration Arcanum here on YouTube. You can also find the show now on Spotify, so be sure to follow us there for more esoterica conversations.

Thank you.

Lisa Derrick's Links

https://lisaaderrick.com

https://lisaaderrick.com/art-shows/

https://www.instagram.com/lisaderrickfinearts/

Shop our guests and support Exploration Arcanum: https://tinyurl.com/4tyfy3vt