The Spirit Box Podcast

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:

In this episode of Spirit Box, I sit down once again with acclaimed occult author and lecturer Phil Hine to discuss Phil’s thought-provoking book on the left-hand path in occultism. Phil trace's its historical and philosophical evolution, from Theosophy and Dion Fortune’s conservative definitions to Kenneth Grant’s esoteric interpretations and Julius Evola’s controversial ideas.

The conversation delves into the origins and practices of Tantra, shedding light on the transgressive behaviours of pre-Tantra traditions and the eventual normalisation of the Śrīvidyā tradition. Phil critiques common Western misunderstandings of Tantra, arguing that true liberation within these traditions emphasises compassion for all beings rather than transcending morality to become a superhuman.

Phil also shares insights into his personal journey in occultism, his initial attraction to and eventual critique of the left-hand path. We also touch on contemporary Aghori practices, their transgressive nature, and the broader cultural implications of such traditions.

Join us for an engaging discussion that blends historical scholarship, personal experience, and humor, culminating in a critique of modern interpretations of Tantra and occult practices.

Show notes:

Phil's website https://enfolding.org/reflections-on-the-left-hand-path/

Book links https://www.amazon.co.uk/Querying-Left-Hand-Path-Phil/dp/1068598107 & https://www.treadwells-london.com/product-page/queryingthe-left-hand-path-phil-hine

Aghori photos https://www.darraghmason.com/index/G0000qURq7lptH_8

Keep in touch?

In this episode, I sit down with Ed Calderon to delve deep into the mysterious and often misunderstood world of Santa Muerte, the Mexican folk saint associated with death. Drawing on over a decade of experience working in counter-narcotics, organised crime investigation, and public safety in Mexico, Ed provides a unique perspective on the cultural and spiritual practices surrounding Santa Muerte. During his career, Ed also coordinated executive protection details for high-level government officials and dignitaries, often in some of the most dangerous parts of the country, giving him unparalleled insight into Mexico's criminal and spiritual undercurrents.

In this episode, I sit down with the brilliant Andrew Collins to dive into his astonishing new book on Karahan Tepe. This ancient site in Turkey has fascinated me for years, and Andrew’s research takes its significance to a whole new level.

We explore the origins of myths, the symbolism of serpents and birds as depicted at Karahan Tepe and Göbekli Tepe, and the potential relationship with the Milky Way. Andrew shares incredible insights from his journeys to Karahan Tepe and nearby sites which are revealing more and more about the sophistication of the ancient people who created them.

We also discuss some of the big questions about humanity’s past, from the Watchers and Nephilim to the Yazidi black snake and the cosmic serpent myths found across cultures. Andrew ties it all together with his thoughts on cosmic cycles, cataclysmic events, and their influence on spiritual practices.

Plus Section:
We dive into the historical and mythological significance of the Garden of Eden. Andrew shares his theory that the Garden was a real place located in Eastern Turkey, identifying the four rivers mentioned in the Bible. He recounts local legends about Adam and Eve and connects the story’s serpent to the cosmic Milky Way serpent and the stars of Scorpius. We also touch on Andrew’s recent experiences in Turkey, including a haunting Jinn encounter at a cave tied to the goddess Ishara.

This conversation is packed with extraordinary revelations and thought-provoking ideas. I loved every second of it, and I think you will too.

Show Notes:
Andrew's website https://www.andrewcollins.com 
The Book https://books.innertraditions.com/karahan-tepe/
Karahan Tepe https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karahan_Tepe
Tours https://www.megalithomania.co.uk/turkey.html 
Jinn image https://www.instagram.com/p/C5T9lWyMXhr/?img_index=1
Yazidism https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yazidism#:~:text=Yazidism%2C%20also%20known%20as%20Sharfadin,are%20a%20Kurdish%2Dspeaking%20community.
My photos of Göbekli Tepe https://www.darraghmason.com/index/G00004PhxB5.ZTXQ
My photos of Harran https://www.darraghmason.com/index/G0000tRVakEIGlNk