Spirit Box

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.comMeetings with Remarkable Magicians: Life in the Occult Undergroundhttps://www.amazon.com/stores/Carl-Abrahamsson/author/B0773LJ92XCarl's Substackhttps://thefenriswolf.substack.comPatreonhttps://www.patreon.com/vanessa23carlLucifer Risinghttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yc24lIdb_8The Holy Mountainhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avTOLTUqf1w&rco=1Sergei Eisensteinhttps://www.britannica.com/biography/Sergey-EisensteinBattleship "Potemkin" by Sergei Eisensteinhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_bkBbrdyywEisenstein 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-occultAnton LeVayhttps://www.britannica.com/biography/Anton-LaVeyGenesis P. Orridgehttps://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/mar/15/genesis-p-orridge-obituaryKeep in touch?https://linktr.ee/darraghmasonMusic 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? https://linktr.ee/darraghmason Music by Obliqka https://soundcloud.com/obliqka

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_IRobert's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/chthoniaandhearth/Earendel https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aurvandill Keep in touch? https://linktr.ee/darraghmason

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. Nicholas has been immersed in all aspects of the mineral kingdom for nearly 30 years. The award-winning author of several books, including Crystal Basics, he offers classes online and in-person around the globe. He lives in Orlando, Florida. In his new book he presents magickal techniques with crystals and gemstones for warding off harmful energies, cleansing your energy field, binding, and curse breaking, including crystal grids, amulets, spells, and rituals. He also shares an in-depth directory of 145 of the most powerful and effective crystals for protection, banishing, and recovery from psychic attack In the show Nicholas shares how the endurance of stones symbolises resilience, and their structure helps us organise and stabilise our energy fields. We dive into the magical properties of stones like Labradorite, black tourmaline, and obsidian, discussing how they can filter, ground, or deflect certain energies. Our conversation also takes us into the deeper spiritual significance of stones and their connection to Earth's history. Nicholas emphasises the importance of wonder and encourages finding a stone that resonates with you. Nicolas reflects on the incredible stories that stones tell about deep time and the improbable conditions that created them. In the Plus show, we discuss Nicholas's personal experiences, from encounters with spirits to managing a university museum collection, where he once identified a rare radioactive mineral. We also talk about divination with pendulums and the role of discernment when working with spirit encounters. Join us as we explore the intersection of geology, magic, and deep time. Show notes: Website https://theluminouspearl.com TikTok:   / theluminouspearl   Facebook:   / theluminouspearl   Instagram:   / theluminouspearl   Patreon:   / theluminouspearl   Pick up a copy https://www.innertraditions.com/cryst... Keep in touch? https://linktr.ee/darraghmason Music by Obliqka   / obliqka  

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? https://linktr.ee/darraghmason Music by Obliqka https://soundcloud.com/obliqka

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. We explore Santa Muerte's complex origins in Catholicism and pre-Hispanic traditions, her evolution as a figure of devotion, and her connection to Mexican criminal occultism. Ed shares his personal journey, beginning with his upbringing in Tijuana, where Catholic traditions and veneration of figures like the Virgin of Guadalupe shaped his early spiritual framework. He discusses his firsthand experiences with the Mexican drug war, and how Santa Muerte became a pivotal force in his path toward healing and sobriety. We also discuss Ed's in-depth study of indigenous Mexican criminal culture, focusing on occult practices. His insights into the practices and rituals surrounding Santa Muerte, from offerings and altars to the significance of her colors, provide a rare glimpse into this fascinating faith. The Plus Show: In the extended Plus show, Ed recounts a shocking ritual he underwent—a simulated burial performed overnight under the influence of powerful hallucinogens. The ceremony, officiated by female practitioners, involved treating participants as if they were already dead: they were stripped of belongings, prayers were said over them, and they were buried in shallow graves. At daybreak, the participants were pulled from the graves, cut on the foot and palm, and had three secrets whispered to them, one being, "You are already dead." This intense ritual, likely a trabajo or spiritual working, blended Catholic rites with folk magic elements from traditions like Santería. Ed reflects on how this extraordinary ritual influenced his perspective and deepened his understanding of spiritual practices in Mexican culture. Show Notes: Plus show https://www.patreon.com/posts/ed-calderon-on-117886076 Ed's website https://www.edsmanifesto.com/ Ed's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/manifestoradiopodcast/ Ed's practice Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lasantayelmonje/ Santa Muerte https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Muerte El Charro Negro https://www.instagram.com/p/C_4KkTgyS5O/ Keep in touch? https://linktr.ee/darraghmason Music by Obliqka https://soundcloud.com/obliqka

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_TepeTours https://www.megalithomania.co.uk/turkey.html Jinn image https://www.instagram.com/p/C5T9lWyMXhr/?img_index=1Yazidism 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.ZTXQMy photos of Harran https://www.darraghmason.com/index/G0000tRVakEIGlNk

In this episode of Spirit Box, I’m joined by C.R. Sanders a practitioner with over 25 years of specialised practice in tarot, astrology, healing modalities, folklore, and the paranormal. Beyond his deep esoteric knowledge, C.R. has built a career producing acclaimed television and film content. Our chat dives into the fascinating intersections of UFO phenomena, folklore, and the supernatural. C.R. shares his wealth of experiences investigating UFO encounters and ghost stories, offering profound insights into the cultural and spiritual dimensions of these phenomena. Here’s what we cover: The connections between UFO encounters and ancient folklore, such as parallels with the Virgin Mary, the Fairy Queen, and other global mythologies. The overlap between UFO/UAP communities and occult practices—and the challenges of bridging these differing perspectives. Firsthand accounts of UFO sightings, including stories of implants, time distortions, and radiation burns, all set against the backdrop of humanity’s longing for the extraordinary. The decline of imagination in modern culture and the need for authentic creativity in art and storytelling and the need for discernment online. The tension between scientific materialism and paranormal phenomena, with C.R. advocating for a more open-minded exploration of ESP and mystical experiences. We continue in the Plus show with the first hand accounts and get into: The decline of imagination in modern culture and the need for authentic creativity in art and storytelling and the need for discernment online. The tension between scientific materialism and paranormal phenomena, with C.R. advocating for a more open-minded exploration of ESP and mystical experiences. Enjoy! Show notes:C.R.'s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/misterxofer/C.R.'s website https://lalanomicon.com/home/Knock Apparition https://aleteia.org/2021/08/21/eyewitness-accounts-of-our-lady-of-knockCosmic Trigger https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cosmic_Trigger_trilogyRobert Anton Wilson https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Anton_WilsonJoshua Cutchin https://www.joshuacutchin.comSt Oliver Plunkett https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oliver_Plunkett More on St Plunkett http://www.saintoliverplunkett.com/index.html#top Keep in touch? https://linktr.ee/darraghmason Music by Obliqka

In this episode, I sit down with Nathaniel to explore his fascinating work and groundbreaking theories on paranormal phenomena. Nathaniel introduces the concept of Necronetics, a framework that connects possession, pregnancy, and otherworldly encounters as processes that replicate life forms. We dive into the evolution of certain beings and phenomena, discussing how they often manifest in archetypal forms that mirror humanity’s collective consciousness. The first 15 minutes or so of this show were lost to the Streaming Gods so we join mid the conversation. Our conversation takes us into deep and, at times, unsettling territory, touching on the nature of gods, religion, and the ways these ideas shape our understanding of spiritual and supernatural encounters. Nathaniel shares the challenges he’s faced during his research, from the potential dangers of diving too deep into these mysteries to deciding how and where to share his findings with the world. We also draw intriguing connections between his work and Whitley Strieber’s studies on interactions with the dead, exploring what these encounters might reveal about consciousness and the unseen. Nathaniel gives us a glimpse into his upcoming book, Skin That Crawls, which will serve as an introduction to necronetics and lay the groundwork for further exploration of his theories. As his research evolves, this conversation offers a compelling look at the mysterious links between life, death, and the forces that exist beyond our understanding. In the Plus show we get deeper still into these topics really delving into the shadowlands of this subject matter. I strongly advise you to do so as this maybe the last time we have Nathaniel on the show as he maybe ending his research into this area because it has become so intense and the phenomena has been pushing back on him. Show notes: Nathaniel’s Instagram   / thenathanielgillis   Nathaniel’s YouTube    / @nathanielj.gillis5466   Keep in touch? https://linktr.ee/darraghmason Music by Obliqka   / obliqka  

In this episode of Spirit Box, I spoke with Vic Hyland, musician, teacher, and author, about creativity, NLP, and music’s connection to magic. We delve into Vic's book 'Music Magic and NLP' wherein Vic shared his insights into the "cut-up" technique—a method popularised by David Bowie and William S. Burroughs—that involves rearranging words and phrases to unlock creative flow. This approach, Vic explains, extends beyond music and can spark ideas in all kinds of fields by tapping into the subconscious and reshaping our perceptions. We also discussed "sliding door moments," those pivotal life junctures where a single event can change everything, often guided by a mix of art, intention, and subconscious forces. Vic shared examples from music, showing how songs and symbols sometimes act as "hyper sigils"—shaping reality in unexpected ways. This led us to explore creativity’s link to manifestation and consciousness. While I’m somewhat skeptical about manifesting through thoughts alone, Vic and I agreed on the importance of engaging the subconscious meaningfully. He emphasized that true creativity requires shifting between “gears” of consciousness, balancing conscious effort with subconscious flow. In the Plus show, we delved into the deeper purpose of creativity, beyond entertainment or self-expression. For both of us, art, music, and storytelling aren’t just about creating; they’re about transforming consciousness, connecting people, and deepening our understanding of the world. Vic illustrated this beautifully, noting that creativity was once about gathering together, changing perspectives, and tapping into something magical that logic alone can't touch. In a world increasingly skeptical of the mystical, it was refreshing to reflect on the power of art to reconnect us with wonder and a sense of the unseen. Show notes: Website & Book www.vichyland.com https://amzn.to/3AGFobz  Music summer school www.Bluescampuk.co.uk Creative Podcast  https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast... The Cut Up method https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-3... Burroughs and Bowie on the Cut Up technique https://www.oca.ac.uk/weareoca/creati... William Burroughs https://www.britannica.com/biography/... Keep in touch? https://linktr.ee/darraghmason Music by Obliqka   / obliqka