(This is a rebroadcast of a panel from the 2012 SXSW Music Conference.) Rock musicians have been denounced for the apparently "magickal" impact they have on audience, often reciting lyrics replete with mystical references and officiating over public rites that can appear downright sorcerous to outsiders. Is this all merely theater? Voodoo rhythms shaped New Orleans R&B; and rock 'n' roll while the trance-inducing drones psychedelia borrowed from India, as well as the immersive multi-media rituals are now practiced as concert spectacle by everyone from U2 to the Black Eyed Peas. Examine the occult philosophies that found their way into the lyrics of Chuck Berry, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, Ozzy Osbourne, King Crimson, Tool, and others, along with the collaborations between various rock stars and prominent magicians like Kenneth Anger and Harry Smith. This panel was moderated by Howard Wuelfing, and guest speakers were Joshua Sharp, Andrew W.K., Erik Davis, and Alison Fensterstock.

Thelema Now! SXSW Blood Music Sex Magick (65 minutes)

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(Opinions expressed on this program by interviewees and interviewers are theirs alone and do not necessarily represent those of Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O), Ordo Templi Orientis U.S.A. (O.T.O.-U.S.A.), or any of their officers or directors.)

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Thelema Now host Harper Feist talks with one of Thelema Now's favorite guests, author and psychologist Dr. David Shoemaker. David discusses his new book, The Way of the Will, and how he came to Thelema, what you do after making contact with your HGA, and is it really all in your head?  Hmmmmmm...... Listen now and see what you think!!   Listen to David's postcast Living Thelema here.  And check out his groovy Spotify playlist! 

Thelema NOW! Guest: David Shoemaker (2024)

Thelema Now host Harper Feist, delves into the esoteric realms of tarot with authors Peter Mark Adams and Christophe Poncet. In this captivating episode, they explore the intriguing narratives behind two distinct tarot decks: the enigmatic Sola-Busca tarocchi and the beloved Tarot de Marseille. Join us as the authors share their personal journeys of discovery, offering insights into the mystical symbolism and historical significance embedded within these decks. The conversation traverses the rich tapestry of tarot tradition. So, sit back, relax, and prepare to embark on a journey of discovery into the fascinating world of tarot with our esteemed guests. To find out more about their book, click here! 

Thelema NOW! Guests: Peter Mark Adams & Christophe Poncet

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 Dr. Justin Sledge

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: Andrew Phillip Smith

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! SXSW Blood Music Sex Magick (65 minutes)

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