In this episode of Spirit Box, I’m joined by great Miguel Conner, author of The Occult Elvis and host of the Aeon Byte Gnostic Radio podcast, to explore the esoteric, mystical, and trickster-like nature of Elvis Presley. Miguel is known for his deep dives into Gnosticism, mythology, and the hidden dimensions of history, and his latest book uncovers the spiritual and occult influences that shaped the life of the King of Rock and Roll.Elvis Presley was more than just a music icon—his life was filled with supernatural experiences, metaphysical encounters, and a deep yearning for spiritual truth. Miguel and I discuss how comic books, mysticism, and even extraterrestrials played a role in Elvis’s personal mythology. We examine how his twinless survivor syndrome, childhood poverty, and Southern religious upbringing contributed to his liminal, shape-shifting persona, making him a figure of both divine inspiration and tragic excess.One of the key themes we explore is the crossroads as a site of transformation, a place where the trickster archetype and magical forces converge. Like Robert Johnson, Elvis stood at the threshold between worlds, embodying both the sacred and the profane, the spiritual and the carnal. Was Elvis an egregore of America, a living embodiment of the nation’s deepest desires and contradictions? Did he unknowingly act as a shamanic figure, channeling mystical energies through music and performance?We also delve into Elvis’s mystical abilities, including his alleged powers to stop the rain and move objects with his will, and how these experiences fit into a broader tradition of spiritual adepts, magicians, and prophets. We explore the darker aspects of his spiritual journey, including his encounters with visions of Jesus, Stalin, and his own impending death, as well as the influence of Gnostic ideas on his worldview.The conversation takes a fascinating turn as we connect Elvis’s metaphysical path with that of David Bowie, another artist who engaged deeply with esoteric traditions, Gnosticism, and the occult. Miguel shares insights from his upcoming book on Bowie, discussing how both musicians wrestled with supernatural experiences, cosmic synchronicities, and the burdens of fame as a spiritual path.As we wrap up we take a deeper dive into the hidden esoteric undercurrents of rock music, Elvis’s role in shaping a new kind of mystical pop culture.Thank you very much

Show notes:
The Occult Elvis https://www.innertraditions.com/the-occult-elvisMiguel’s website: https://thegodabovegod.com/
Miguel’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/AeonByte
Miguel’s Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/aeonbyte/
Miguel's X page: https://twitter.com/AeonByte
Miguel's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC67NBVrem2dRsYUreRyjSsA/feed
Miguel's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/aeonbyte
Miguel's Rofkin: https://rokfin.com/aeonbyte

Keep in touch?https://linktr.ee/darraghmasonMusic by Obliqka https://soundcloud.com/obliqka

In this episode of Spirit Box, I’m joined by Dr. Gregory Shushan, a pioneering researcher on near-death experiences (NDEs). He has spent over 25 years studying historical accounts of NDEs, uncovering their profound influence on religious beliefs, mythologies, and cultural understandings of the afterlife. His research, as explored in his book Near-Death Experiences in the Ancient Civilisations; The Origins of the Worlds Afterlife Beliefs, reveals striking parallels between modern NDEs and accounts from historical cultures, shedding light on how early societies interpreted these extraordinary events.

In the show we explore what ancient texts reveal about encounters with the dead, the journey of the soul, and how different civilisations—from Egypt and Mesopotamia to India and Mesoamerica—understood these experiences. Gregory shares fascinating insights into how NDEs may have shaped early ideas of judgment, reincarnation, and the soul’s transition into the next world. His work also investigates the connections between NDEs, shamanism, initiation rites, and visions of the Otherworld, questioning whether these universal phenomena influenced the development of religious traditions across cultures.

In the Plus show, we take a deeper dive into Gregory’s upcoming research on Greek and Roman NDEs, as well as lesser-known accounts from indigenous First Nations traditions that challenge modern assumptions about the afterlife.

Beyond ancient civilizations, we also examine connections between NDEs and folklore, particularly in Irish fairy lore, where people were said to vanish into the Otherworld and return transformed. We discuss how these stories might reflect ancient beliefs about crossing the threshold between life and death, and how different cultures interpreted the journey between worlds.
Show Notes:
Dr Shushan's Website https://www.gregoryshushan.com 
Get the book https://www.amazon.co.uk/Near-Death-Experience-Ancient-Civilizations-Afterlife/dp/1644118688

Keep in touch?https://linktr.ee/darraghmasonMusic by Obliqka https://soundcloud.com/obliqka

In this episode, I sit down with Adam Nox for an in-depth conversation on the rich subject matter of his excellent new book The Cult of Two: The uncensored sexual magick teachings of the order of delirious saints.Grounded in esoteric traditions and cutting-edge psychological insights, this compelling guide offers a roadmap to navigate the complexities of love, power, and identity. The Cult of Two is more than a book; it’s an invitation to transform your life through the integration of sexuality, spirituality, and self-mastery.In the conversation We explore the importance of integrating our fears, desires, and addictions, as well as the dangers of using spiritual knowledge as a shield against real growth.Adam shares his insights on the unconscious mind, the deeper meanings within the Tarot, and how magic and psychotherapy can work together. We also discuss the role of somatics in spiritual practice, the risks of premature Kundalini awakening, and the power of self-acceptance in navigating altered states of consciousness.From exploring the Tree of Life and the dark arts to personal stories of navigating danger through human connection, this conversation takes us deep into the realms of esoteric wisdom and self-mastery.In the Plus show, we go even further, taking a deep dive into the mysteries of the Tree of Death—examining its role in spiritual transformation, its relationship to the shadow self, and how working with its energies can lead to profound personal insight.Join us as we explore the intersection of magic, science, and the unconscious mind—this is an episode packed with insight, challenge, and practical wisdom.Show notes:Get the book https://www.amazon.com/Cult-Two-uncensored-teachings-delirious/dp/B0DXN852LDThe Cult of You website https://thecvltofyou.comKeep in touch?https://linktr.ee/darraghmasonMusic by Obliqka https://soundcloud.com/obliqka

In this episode of Spirit Box, we welcome Kate Shelley, a shamanic healer whose journey has been shaped by deep ancestral work, spirit connections, and a profound understanding of emotional patterns in healing. Kate shares how her mentorship with Dr. Helen Ford led her to explore the emotional roots of illness and how these patterns influence our lives across generations.Our conversation touches on the power of walking and talking as a healing practice, the deeply personal nature of spirit communication, and the importance of finding one’s own unique way in working with unseen forces. Kate also opens up about her experiences with neurodivergence, highlighting the intersection of creativity, spirituality, and different ways of thinking.We discuss the balance between science and spiritual growth, the impact of trauma on the nervous system, and how practices like meditation and somatic work can support healing. Finally, we reflect on the challenges and opportunities of living in the modern world, especially for younger generations navigating new paradigms.Show notes:Kate's website https://www.lifemanualreadings.comKate's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lifemanualreadings/Keep in touch?https://linktr.ee/darraghmasonMusic by Obliqka https://soundcloud.com/obliqka

In this episode of Spirit Box, I sit down with Joshua Cutchin and Ryan Grulich to discuss their latest film project, The Lady of the Lake. The true crime documentary follows investigator Amanda Paulson and her team as they delve into the chilling case of Hallie Illingworth, a local woman who disappeared in 1937 and was found three years later in Lake Crescent under disturbing circumstances. Her body, eerily preserved with a soap-like texture, raised more questions than answers about what really happened to her. As Paulson's team digs deeper, they uncover unsettling truths about Hallie’s tragic fate, revealing a history of violence and long-buried secrets. The investigation leads them beyond the mystery of Hallie's death, unraveling a web of disturbing stories that have remained hidden for decades and uncovering a horrifying truth about the lake's dark past and the fate of those who enter its depths.What I found particularly compelling about this project is how it challenges traditional true crime storytelling—rather than sensationalising the victim’s fate, Joshua and Ryan emphasise her humanity, offering a narrative that is both deeply personal and powerfully unsettling. We also explore the film’s folkloric and paranormal elements, discussing how myth-making shapes our understanding of places and events.

Beyond The Lady of the Lake, our conversation expands into the broader theme of re-enchantment and cultural transformation. We discuss how Western society is slowly shifting away from rigid materialism towards a more spiritually integrated worldview—one where folklore, consciousness, and the unexplained are no longer dismissed but embraced as essential parts of our reality. This shift is something I’ve explored in many episodes, and here we consider how storytelling, film, and other media are playing a key role in rekindling a sense of mystery and wonder in the modern world.

In the Plus Show, we take a deep dive into Joshua and Ryan’s upcoming UFO documentary series. They share insights into how they’re approaching the project, looking at UFO encounters not just as unexplained aerial phenomena but as events that have shaped human spirituality, belief systems, and cultural evolution. We talk about the challenges of tackling the extraterrestrial and interdimensional hypotheses, the reluctance of mainstream figures to engage with esoteric subjects.

This was a fascinating conversation that weaves together true crime, folklore, and the unexplained, uncovering the deeper connections between these worlds. Tune in for an exploration of mystery, mythology, and the shifting tides of human consciousness.

Show notes:

Creepy Kingdom ⁠https://www.creepykingdom.com⁠

Trailer ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWnPTOcEZ-Q&t=76s⁠

Joshua Cutchin ⁠https://www.joshuacutchin.com⁠

LOTL on instagram ⁠https://www.instagram.com/theladyofthelakedoc/⁠

Keep in touch?

⁠https://linktr.ee/darraghmason⁠

Music by Obliqka ⁠https://soundcloud.com/obliqka

In this episode of Spirit Box, we welcome historian, initiate and researcher David Pantano to discuss his latest book, 'Alchemical Hermeticism, The Secret Teachings of Marco Daffi on Initiation' a comprehensive look at the man born Baron Ricciardo Ricciardelli yet better known by his spiritual name Marco Daffi. David presents Daffi’s writings on his unique and unusual experiences from five decades of alchemical and hermetic practice, available for the first time in English. Covering esoteric concepts such as past life regression, internal energy projection, and the alchemical transformation of the self.

In the Plus show, David shares insights into Daffi’s karmic journey, his initiations within magical orders, and the Trial of the Magus, a dramatic moment in his life. We also explore the interplay of Hermeticism and sexuality, the symbolism behind his book cover, and the significance of monads in consciousness building. The conversation expands into Eastern and Western esoteric parallels, including the Chöd ritual and the Red and Black Banquets.

Tune in for a deep dive into Hermetic philosophy, spiritual transformation, and the mystical legacy of a forgotten master. Plus, David teases his upcoming work, The Hermetic Book of the Dead.
Show notes:
Get the book https://www.innertraditions.com/alchemical-hermeticism
David's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/pantanodavid/
David's Facebook https://www.facebook.com/david.pantano.5
David's YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@davpan1000

Keep in touch?

⁠https://linktr.ee/darraghmason⁠

Music by Obliqka⁠https://soundcloud.com/obliqka

In this episode of Spirit Box, I’m joined by the multitalented Carl Abrahamsson, a photographer, a writer, filmmaker, and magician deeply embedded in the world of esotericism.

We discuss his latest book, Meetings with Remarkable Magicians: Life in the Occult Underground, which explores his encounters with some of the most fascinating figures in contemporary esotericism, offering unique insights into their practices, philosophies, and influence on modern occult culture.

Carl shares his creative journey, from his early influences—shaped by avant-garde art and music—to his academic work on Aleister Crowley’s influence in cinema. He provides insights into his experiences with notable occult figures, including his time with the Church of Satan and his connections to Kenneth Anger and Genesis P. Orridge.

In the Plus show, we delve into the role of artists as vessels for magical currents, the impact of psychedelic experiences on art, and the necessity of holistic approaches to modern challenges. Along the way, we touch on everything from the power of old films to the importance of trusting one's inner voice. We also explore the evolving landscape of occult publishing, the mainstreaming of esoteric thought, and the importance of creativity as a means of self-discovery.Join us for a wide-ranging conversation on magic, creativity, and the ever-changing nature of the occult underground.

Show Notes:

Carl's websitehttps://www.carlabrahamsson.com

Meetings with Remarkable Magicians: Life in the Occult Undergroundhttps://www.amazon.com/stores/Carl-Abrahamsson/author/B0773LJ92X

Carl's Substackhttps://thefenriswolf.substack.com

Patreonhttps://www.patreon.com/vanessa23carl

Lucifer Risinghttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yc24lIdb_8

The Holy Mountainhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avTOLTUqf1w&rco=1

Sergei Eisensteinhttps://www.britannica.com/biography/Sergey-Eisenstein

Battleship "Potemkin" by Sergei Eisensteinhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_bkBbrdyyw

Eisenstein on Joycehttps://www.nova-nevedoma.com/eisenstein-about-joyce/

Kenneth Angerhttps://www.anothermag.com/design-living/14890/cult-filmmaker-kenneth-anger-on-his-relationship-with-the-occult

Anton LeVayhttps://www.britannica.com/biography/Anton-LaVey

Genesis P. Orridgehttps://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/mar/15/genesis-p-orridge-obituary

Keep in touch?

https://linktr.ee/darraghmason

Music by Obliqkahttps://soundcloud.com/obliqka

In this episode of Spirit Box, I catch up with the great Joshua Cutchin. We discuss his latest exciting projects, including the UFO documentary Cosmosis, the paranormal true crime film Lady of the Lake, and his upcoming book, 4th Wall Phantoms, which looks at the eerie idea of fictional characters coming to life. On top of all that, we take some time to explore the strange times we’re living in—what he calls the “trickster age.”
In the Plus show we also dive into how fringe topics like UFOs and the paranormal are going mainstream and whether they’re losing some of their original power. Joshua and I share our thoughts on the process of writing and managing beings vehicle for the delivery of work. We also get AI—could it be the latest face of an ancient force once seen in fairies and spirits? Plus, we touch on creativity, spirituality, and sitting with uncertain times.

Stay tuned for Joshua’s return in March where we’ll dig deeper into 4th Wall Phantoms.
Show notes:
https://www.joshuacutchin.com

Keep in touch?

In this episode of Spirit Box, I am joined by Robert Peter to delve into the fascinating intersections of witchcraft, folk magic, and Christianity. Robert's practice is amongst many things a rich blend magical traditions, Solomon's seals, and a syncretic practice of blending saints and spellcraft. While we touch on his practice at the beginning the body of this show is Robert's transformative journey, centring on visions of Jesus alongside Papa Legba and the spiritual symbolism of the crossroads. Which is not where many would expect to find him

The conversation takes a deeper turn as we discuss the enigmatic Dark Man, tracing his disruptive yet catalytic role in spiritual journeys. Drawing parallels between Christ, psychopomps, and mythological figures like Odin and the Dagda. Robert also opens up about his near-death experiences and the spiritual revelations that emerged from them.

Tune in for an exploration of humility, transformation, and the alchemical fusion of spirituality and magic, as we map the profound terrain where mysticism and folklore meet.

Show notes:
Christ I https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christ_I
Robert's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/chthoniaandhearth/
Earendel https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aurvandill

Keep in touch?

In this episode, I sit down with author and practitioner, Nicholas Pearson to explore the fascinating topic of his new book Crystals for Psychic Self-Defense.

Show notes: