S2 #80 / Douglas Batchelor on Fatherhood, Art and the ineffable

In todays episode, I sit down with medium Tracy St. Croi from Austin, Texas. Tracy shares her journey into mediumship, from her first encounters with spirits to her intensive training at the Arthur Findlay College in England. We talk about the challenges of embracing psychic gifts, the ethics of mediumship, and why boundaries are essential when dealing with the spirit world.Tracy also tells me about her hit TV series Haunted Road Trips Show—currently number one on Binge TV—which takes a fresh, educational approach to paranormal investigation. She recounts standout cases, including the Black Swan Inn in San Antonio, the Kyle Pioneer Cemetery, and even a haunted doll with a story of its own.In the Plus Show, Tracy and I go deeper into the soul’s journey, past lives, reincarnation, and the ethical responsibilities of psychic mediums. We also discuss how to find a trustworthy mentor, set boundaries with spirit, and what’s coming up in season two of Haunted Road Trips Show.Show notes:The Haunted Road trips show https://www.youtube.com/@HauntedRoadTripsShowTracy's website https://www.tracystcroimedium.comThe Arthur Findlay College https://www.arthurfindlaycollege.orgTracy's Patreon https://www.patreon.com/hauntedroadtripsshowInstagram https://www.instagram.com/tracyst.croimediumBinge TV https://trybinge.tv/programs/haunted-road-trips-showKeep in touch?https://linktr.ee/darraghmason

In this episode of Spirit Box, I am joined by Dr Andrew Manns to discuss his forthcoming book, Aradia’s Hidden Hand: The Untold Life of Roma Lister (Hexen Press, September release).The conversation explores Roma Lister’s overlooked role in Victorian spiritualism and the occult, from her collaborations with Charles Godfrey Leland—including her involvement in the famous Aradiamanuscript—to her contributions as a folklorist, occult writer, and mentor. Dr Manns traces her connections with Italian folk witchcraft and prominent figures such as Baroness Julia Rosencrantz, and her experimental blend of séances, folk magic, and Theosophy.Andrew also shares fresh insights into Leland’s influence on modern witchcraft, particularly how Aradia shaped Doreen Valiente’s Wiccan rituals, as well as his own discovery of newly uncovered correspondences between Leland and Lister.This is a show rich with the hidden histories of folklore, witchcraft, and Victorian spiritualism, shining new light on a woman whose legacy has long been obscured.Show notes:About the book https://www.hexen.fr/blog-hexen/livres/aradias-hidden-hand-the-untold-life-of-roma-listerThe Thinkers Garden https://thethinkersgarden.comRoma Lister https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roma_ListerCharles G. Leland https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Godfrey_LelandAradia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aradiaorthe_Gospel_of_the_WitchesDoreen Valiente https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doreen_ValienteKeep in touch?https://linktr.ee/darraghmason

In this episode, I sit down with my friend and fellow podcaster Douglas Batchelor of What Magic Is This? for a conversation about the mysterious spark at the heart of art and creativity.Douglas has recently become a father and we kick off our chat on how family life reshapes our relationship with creativity—how the presence of children can sharpen your awareness of time, deepen your sense of wonder, and remind you of the importance of passing on what truly matters.From there, we explore how poetry, photography, music, and even comics can reach beyond explanation to move us in ways that hint at the ineffable. I share my thoughts on the instinctive side of photography—especially street photography that captures fleeting moments with emotional force—while Douglas and I discuss the power of music, the strange nostalgia of childhood comics, and the shifting landscape of cinema, from Nosferatu on the big screen to today’s spectacle-driven blockbusters. We continue the conversation for another 45 minutes in the plus show and get into some rich territory.What emerges is a meditation on creativity as something universal and timeless: the drive to make meaning, to capture the ineffable, and to pass along works that connect us across generations.Show notes:What Magic is This? https://whatmagicisthis.comMaster and Commander (film) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHTHCNYiiHkNosferatu (film) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nulvWqYUM8kOscar Peterson (jazz pianist) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTJhHn-TuDY&list=RDNTJhHn-TuDY&start_radio=1“Video nasties” — UK horror film ban in the 1980s https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Video_nastyW.B. Yeats (poet) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WB.YeatsYeats - Easter 1916 https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/43289/easter-1916Yeats - Sailing to Byzantium https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/43291/sailing-to-byzantiumYeats - The Circus animals desertion https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/43299/the-circus-animals-desertionEmily Dickinson (poet) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emily_DickinsonEmily Dickinson - I felt a funeral, in my brain, https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/45706/i-felt-a-funeral-in-my-brain-340Protestant Ascendancy (historical context in Dublin architecture) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protestant_AscendancyLascaux's Prehistoric Cave Paintings https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnSq0c7jM-A&t=1sFelix Thiollier (photographer) https://www.musee-orsay.fr/en/whats-on/exhibitions/presentation/felix-thiollier-1842-1914-photographsThe Horse Trainer by Felix Thiollier 1899 https://pixels.com/featured/the-horse-trainer-by-felix-thiollier-orca-art-gallery.html?srsltid=AfmBOoqsPCE1575mUAZYSB-udx0zjLW1ok5vaB6pPHdgPFSglmb9CiD2Keep in touch?https://linktr.ee/darraghmason

In this episode of Spirit Box, I sit down with Gabriel, author of Chapel Perilous: The Life and Thought Crimes of Robert Anton Wilson, for a deep dive into the wild and weird territory Wilson loved to inhabit—where Irish folklore, psychedelic exploration, and quantum physics intersect.Gabriel takes us into Wilson’s 1975 encounter with a Celtic Púca—part holy guardian angel, part mischievous trickster—and shows how this moment connects to his fascination with the “Celtic roots” of quantum theory. We get into William Rowan Hamilton’s strange mathematics that became essential to Schrödinger’s equation, the playful logic of the Irish language, and how Finnegans Wakesomehow helped name a subatomic particle.In The Plus Show Gabriel and I dig into Wilson’s spontaneous remote viewing experience that took place the exact same day the CIA’s Project Stargate psychics were in action. We also explore his magical practices, the Sirius connection, and his puckish dismantling of conspiracy culture.It’s a conversation that moves between myth and mathematics, with plenty of mischievous detours—very much in the spirit of Bob himself.Show notes:Gabriel Kennedy https://chapelperilous.usGet the book https://www.lulu.com/shop/gabriel-kennedy-and-douglas-rushkoff-and-grant-morrison-and-laura-kang/chapel-perilous/paperback/product-kvmj4v2.html?srsltid=AfmBOoojOH_J04aew2Q7N-jXvdL6A_HjRxLDdsMqSI4FIcYzN5L7phqL&page=1&pageSize=4Robert Anton Wilson: Talks About the Pooka. The Giant Rabbit. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfKVaMO7QngThe Celtic Roots of Quantum Theory https://sites.google.com/site/onlymaybe/course-notes-and-syllabus/celtic-roots-of-quantum-theory?utm_source=chatgpt.comRAW books https://rawilson.com/books/?utm_source=chatgpt.comIngrid Cold. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indrid_ColdThe Complete SECRET CIPHER Of the UfOnauts https://www.amazon.co.uk/Complete-SECRET-CIPHER-UfOnauts/dp/171864535XIngrid Cold phone call https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INtbv3cd1BADonnie Darko https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZyBaFYFySkWoodrow Derenberger talks about his 1966 UFO sighting & encounter with a humanoid named Indrid Cold https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QP_NFPjgCXAThe Púca https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PúcaWilliam Rowan Hamilton https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Rowan_HamiltonFinnegans Wake https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finnegans_WakeKeep in touch?https://linktr.ee/darraghmasonMusic by Obliqka https://soundcloud.com/obliqka

In this episode of Spirit Box, I catch up with Aidan Wachter for a long overdue catch up on writing, magic, and what it means to stay human while the world feels like it’s cracking open.Aidan shares where he’s at with his latest book on animism — moving away from the old idea of manifesting stuff and into something deeper. He even talks about receiving guidance from on his walks, which, if you know Aidan, makes perfect sense.We dig into the weird pressure to have a book in print as some kind of spiritual badge of honour, and an indicator of having maxed out your practice which is rarely the case!We also talk about the messy association of magic and money — how people still expect quick wealth as proof that the magic works, when the reality is far more complex. From there, we drift into the state of things — how so many systems are failing and might shift radically in the next decade, and how we try to keep our heads and hearts intact through it all.In the Plus show, we share how we’re both finding community and mental balance these days. How changes that we've made have given benefits in kind. We discuss how the systems of Empire that are damaging people, and the quiet importance of self-reliance and local knowledge. It’s all part of the same question: how do we stay human, stay connected, and keep the spirit alive against the backdrop of a changing and volatile world?Show notes:https://www.aidanwachter.comhttps://www.patreon.com/c/aidanwachter/postsKeep in touch?https://linktr.ee/darraghmason

In this episode, I sit down with Sheer Zed for a deep and winding exploration of a life spent navigating the liminal spaces of Eastern philosophy, occult practice, and the hidden world of Thai tattoo magic.Sheer Zed shares how a childhood sparked by Zen stories, beat poets, and old Kung Fu shows led him into a lifelong fascination with Buddhism and the occult. From psychedelic journeys in London’s squat culture to Tibetan teachings in Los Angeles, his path has been anything but ordinary.We dive into Sheer Zed’s extraordinary experiences receiving Sak Yant — sacred tattoos given by Thai Ajarns (masters) — and the intense rituals that bind ink, mantra, and spirit into living magic. In the Plus show we go deeper still and he recounts vivid encounters with powerful teachers and possession by tiger spirits during ceremonies in Thailand, moments that transformed him forever.We also explore the rich, sometimes shadowy world of Thai amulets — from skull bones and protective spirits to the ethics of sourcing sacred objects that carry hidden histories.This conversation wanders through spiritual folklore, animism, Buddhism, and the occult, connecting them all through Sheer Zed’s firsthand stories.EnjoyShow notes:https://linktr.ee/SheerZedKeep in touch?https://linktr.ee/darraghmasonMusic by Obliqka https://soundcloud.com/obliqka

Today we chat with wonderful Celeste Mott who has been chronicling her experiences with an online Anne Rice "vampire cult." to great acclaim. A talented writer, witch and storyteller Celeste takes us on a weird and wonderful ride into the strange world of stories bending our reality and 'inviting us' to participate and become characters in tales that envelope our lives. All of which is based on her real life account of being in an online vampire cult in the 2000s.We spent time dissecting the idea of narrative magic and how the stories we tell ourselves, and the ones we absorb or indeed are captured by, can lead to real-world changes and transformations. Celeste shared some really thought-provoking insights into how childhood experiences and archetypes stick with us, influencing our perceptions in profound ways.It was clear that her past, particularly those early online encounters, has given her a unique lens through which to view the world, blurring the lines between what's considered real and what might just be a powerful shared imagination. We also touched on her successful video content and how it ties into a broader cultural yearning for mysticism. It's not about proving anything, but rather understanding the human need for these kinds of narratives.In Plus section, we really go deeper into some of Celeste's thoughts on the dangers of Narrative magic and how these strange phenomena make you question the very nature of reality. Are we in some weird matrix where stories are the very building blocks of our reality and are storytellers the sometimes unwitting creators of our world. We get into the work of Anne Rice in more detail and other storytellers that bring 'currents' into the world like Grant Morrison, Clive Barker and H.P. Lovecraft and how the 'Meta' element seems to be play significant factor in the stories bleeding into our reality.Show notes:Start here for The Vampire cult videos https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIUGqpUOmpE/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==Celeste's website https://www.celestemott.comTik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@celestemothPatreon https://www.patreon.com/celestemottAnne Rice https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anne_RiceInterview with the Vampire 1994 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCmYN6TLd8AInterview with the Vampire 2022 AMC https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8Oysn9I9K8Keep in touch?https://linktr.ee/darraghmason

Today we are joined by Christopher Freeland for a captivating journey into the hidden world of Ireland's mysterious round towers and the ancient art of dowsing. A seasoned practitioner of radiesthesia, Christopher reveals his unique approach to dowsing as a technique to access, what he terms 'the collective consciousness', drawing on his experiences as a monk in India and his extensive research.This episode challenges conventional historical narratives, as Christopher proposes that the enigmatic round towers of Ireland weren't simply defensive structures against rampaging Vikings but sophisticated ancient technologies designed to harness natural energies. I was fascinated to learn about Christopher's groundbreaking research into the magnetic properties of these ancient stone structures and their surprising connection to agricultural abundance. Could these towers have been influencing plant and animal growth for millennia? It certainly gave me a lot to think about.In the Plus show we get into the practicalities of pendulum dowsing and his work in Spirit release. Christopher shared invaluable insights from his decades of experience, emphasizing the dedication required to master this powerful tool. He took through the "universal pendulum," a fascinating device connected to multiple frequencies. It was incredible to hear how dowsing can aid in spirit communication and energy healing.Show notes:Get the book https://www.innertraditions.com/mysteries-of-the-round-towershttps://radiesthesia.online/Irish Round Towers https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irish_round_towerAughagower https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AughagowerUniversal Pendulum https://emeraldinnovations.co.uk/pendulums/universal-pendulumChiang Mai https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiang_MaiDún Aonghasa https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dún_AonghasaBrú na Bóinne https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BrnaBóinnPetrie Crown http://www.visual-arts-cork.com/irish-crafts/petrie-crown.htmOther Dimensional Entities https://www.waterstones.com/book/other-dimensional-entities/christopher-freeland/9781916159709

In this episode of 'Spirit Box,' I sit down with the incredible Arden Leigh. A true polymath, they dive deep into how their chaos magic underpins their coaching and repatterning work, and how it all weaves into their music. They’re on a mission to help people transform their lives, and in this conversation, they’ll share how they use these powerful modalities to do just that.Arden opens up about their fascinating journey, starting with how they combined New Age principles with practical magic to transform their life after moving to Los Angeles. They dive deep into their repatterning project, a powerful method for shifting thought patterns and beliefs to manifest desired outcomes. We discuss their personal experiences with trauma, including hypnotic programming, and how they used both magical and mundane approaches to overcome these challenges, emphasizing the importance of taking control of your own mental programming.Arden also shares their unique career trajectory, from being a professional dominatrix in New York City to becoming a successful business coach. They reveal how past traumatic experiences, including being doxxed, led them to develop clearer boundaries and processes for client interactions.We explore their teaching philosophy, the value of community, and the crucial need for internal alignment before seeking external changes. We get into their profound realizations from experiences with cannabis and ayahuasca, and how these led to a deeper understanding of intentional living. We also share our thoughts on the distractions of modern society and the power of consistency in personal development.In the Plus section show, where we go deeper into these topics and discussing the direct results of sorcery targeted on the self.Show notes:https://therepatterningproject.com/https://www.facebook.com/arden.leighhttps://www.facebook.com/therepatterningproject/https://www.instagram.com/itsmeardenleigh/https://www.youtube.com/user/ardensirenshttps://open.spotify.com/artist/5UW2XTUKJm8srNxBZHyV5f?si=Vbf76f26SLy3CxdYzk0HDw&nd=1&dlsi=777862d922804ed8Keep in touch?https://linktr.ee/darraghmasonMusic by Obliqka https://soundcloud.com/obliqka

Join me as I sit down with visionary musician, record producer, author and rock star, Rodney Orpheus, and author, historian and Occult legend, the great Phil Hine,We are talking about Rodney and Phil's incredible new book, "Delinquent Elementals". This anthology is a treasure trove of the 'Pagan News' zines from the 1980s, offering a unique glimpse into a vibrant community. Rodney and Phil, were the creative pairing behind Pagan News, share how their publication emerged from the thriving Leeds occult scene in the north of England to fill a crucial gap, focusing on local events and unifying diverse pagan voices long before the internet existed.We have a candid discussion about the infamous Satanic Panic of the 80s and 90s. Rodney and Phil recount the very real dangers they faced, from death threats to arson, and how their magazine became a vital tool for documenting this dark period in history. In the Plus show we'll explore their innovative use of desktop publishing, their unique approach to occult satire(including the hilarious Barry Hairbrush!), and the legal and logistical challenges of running a monthly magazine that reached thousands.Whether you're curious about the intersection between summoning Laser printers and modern paganism, the impact of the Satanic Panic, or just love a good story about community and defiance, this episode is a must-listen! More importantly the book "Delinquent Elementals" preserves a vital piece of occult history for future generations.Show notes:Delinquent Elementals from Strange Attractor: https://strangeattractor.co.uk/shoppe/delinquent-elementals/Phil's Blog https://enfolding.org/Phil's substack: https://philhine.substack.com/Phil's Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/philh.bsky.social Rodney's site: http://rodneyorpheus.comRodney's insta: https://www.instagram.com/rodneyorpheus/?hl=enKeep in touch?https://linktr.ee/darraghmasonMusic by Obliqka https://soundcloud.com/obliqka