Thelema NOW! Crowley, Ritual & Magick

On this episode of Thelema Now!, host Harper Feist welcomes author, artist, lecturer, and ceremonial magician Maevius Lynn for a wide-ranging conversation about Thelema, Aleister Crowley, and her new book, The Holy Year of Thelema: A Guide to the Ritual Calendar of Aleister Crowley's Tradition.

Lynn's book explores the holy days, rituals, and celebrations that make up the Thelemic ritual year, offering practical ways for modern practitioners to engage with Thelema as a living spiritual tradition. She also shines a light on the often-overlooked women whose contributions helped shape the history of Thelema.

Harper and Maevius go beyond the book to discuss Crowley and the ideas at the heart of Thelema, the experience of practicing magic today, and what it is like to navigate the Thelemic community as a woman. The conversation offers a personal and thoughtful look at both the challenges and possibilities of finding one's place within a magical tradition.

Tune in for a candid and wide-ranging discussion about Thelema, ritual, community, Crowley, and the continuing evolution of the tradition.

What does it mean to make magic a lived experience rather than an occasional ritual? On this episode of Thelema Now!, host Harper Feist welcomes acclaimed author, teacher, and mystic T. Thorn Coyle for an inspiring conversation about the transformative power of a daily spiritual practice.

Drawing from decades of experience as a practitioner, teacher, and author of books including Sigil Magic, By Earth, Flame and Wind, and Evolutionary Witchcraft, Thorn explores how simple, consistent practices can deepen self-knowledge, strengthen magical work, and cultivate resilience in everyday life.

Harper and Thorn discuss building sustainable spiritual habits, overcoming obstacles to practice, and how devotion, discipline, and presence can become gateways to profound personal transformation. Whether you're just beginning your magical journey or looking to renew an established practice, this conversation offers practical wisdom and encouragement for integrating the sacred into every day.

Join us for an engaging discussion on magic, mindfulness, and the lifelong path of spiritual commitment. Visit Thorn's website at https://thorncoyle.com/.

In this episode of Thelema Now!, host Harper Feist welcomes renowned author, psychologist, and Thelemic scholar Richard Kaczynski to discuss his groundbreaking new book, Mind Over Magick: The Psychology of Ritual Magick, published by Park Street Press.

Drawing on decades of research in cognitive neuroscience, social psychology, and the study of consciousness, Richard explores one of the most enduring questions in esotericism: How—and why—does ritual magick work? Rather than reducing magical practice to mere psychology, Mind Over Magick examines how peer-reviewed scientific research can illuminate the transformative effects of ritual, meditation, symbolism, initiation, and altered states of consciousness.

Harper and Richard discuss the fascinating intersection of science and spirituality, including the psychology of magical personas, the experience of being "in the zone," the neurological foundations of mystical states, and how practitioners can use empirical insights to strengthen their magical work without losing sight of its mystery. The conversation also touches on Richard's unique perspective as both a lifelong practitioner of Western esotericism and a Ph.D. psychologist.

Whether you're a seasoned magician, a student of Thelema, or simply curious about what modern science can tell us about ancient practices, this engaging discussion offers fresh perspectives on the relationship between mind, ritual, and transformation.

On this episode of Thelema Now!, host Harper Feist speaks with author Christian Brunner about his book Alpine Witchery: Austrian Folk Magic, Lore & Spellcraft.

Christian shares the story behind the book—what inspired him to explore the rich traditions of Austrian folk magic, and how regional lore, landscape, and cultural memory shaped his work. From mountain spirits to ancestral practices, he offers insight into a living current of witchcraft rooted in place, history, and personal experience. Also - hear about "freezer spells."

The conversation also touches on the importance of preserving folk traditions, translating them for modern practitioners, and finding authentic pathways into magical practice.

Tune in for a fascinating look at Alpine magic, storytelling, and the journey of bringing hidden traditions into the light.

On this episode of Thelema Now!, host Harper Feist welcomes Joe Monteleone—described by Huffington Post as a "one-man-band of magical-thinking-made reality." A Tarot master teacher, coach, healer, occult performer, and founder of the Tarot Mysticism Academy, Joe brings decades of experience to a dynamic conversation on the transformative power of the cards.

Drawing from his book Tarot Mysticism: The Psycho-Spiritual Technology of the Thoth Tarot, Joe shares insights into his personal tarot journey, the deeper layers of meaning within the Thoth deck, and how tarot functions as a tool for self-knowledge, spiritual development, and practical guidance.

Together, they explore what the cards can really tell us, how to build a living relationship with tarot, and the ways this powerful system can enrich every aspect of life—from decision-making to personal evolution.

Whether you're a seasoned reader or just beginning your path, this episode offers a compelling look at tarot as both an art and a spiritual technology.

Professional tarot reader, artist, and writer Kristine Gorman joins Soror Amy on Thelema Now to talk about a life dedicated to the tarot and the creative spirit that surrounds it. Known for her bold personality and unique approach to the cards, Kristine spent more than eight years hosting her own FM radio program, The Visionary Woman Tarot Radio Show, where she read tarot live on the air for callers—episodes of which can still be found on Apple Podcasts. She has released her own tarot deck, Visionary Woman Tarot, published by Red Wheel/Weiser.

In this conversation, Kristine shares insights from decades of working with tarot as both a divinatory and self-reflective practice. She reflects on working with her mentor Rachel Pollack's Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom. Join us as we explore tarot, creativity, and the magical current that flows through Kristine's work and life.

On this episode of Thelema Now, host Harper Feist speaks with Colin Campbell about the remarkable history and ongoing restoration of Boleskine House, the historic residence on the shores of Loch Ness once owned by Aleister Crowley.

Colin shares the story of the house—from its place in Thelemic lore to the devastating fires that nearly destroyed it—and the dedicated work now underway to carefully restore the property. He also discusses the broader vision for Boleskine as a cultural and historical site, including community programming, horticultural projects, and events that celebrate the history and landscape of the Scottish Highlands.

The conversation also highlights the upcoming grand opening on April 11, when visitors will have the opportunity to see the progress of the restoration and learn more about the future plans for the house and grounds.

Join us for a fascinating look at the history, legacy, and renewal of one of the most storied locations connected to Thelema. Visit the website to find out more.

On this episode of Thelema Now!, host Harper Feist is joined by author and occult scholar Frater Acher for a deep exploration of his book The Olympic Spirits: Paracelsus' Practice of the Inner Stars, published by Three Hands Press.

Frater Acher delves into the enigmatic system of the Olympic Spirits as presented by Paracelsus, unpacking their planetary nature, practical magical applications, and relevance for contemporary practitioners. Moving beyond theory, the conversation explores inner cosmology, visionary practice, and how working with the "inner stars" can become a living, experiential path of initiation.

This episode is an illuminating discussion on planetary magic, historical sources, and modern praxis—essential listening for students of Thelema, Renaissance magic, and serious occult work.

On this episode of Thelema Now!, host Harper Feist speaks with Tom Banger, contributor to the new book The Occult Harry Smith: The Magical and Alchemical Work of an Artist of the Extremes, edited by Peter Valente.

Tom offers unique insight into the esoteric dimensions of Harry Smith's life and work—exploring his deep engagement with alchemy, hermeticism, and ritual practice. Known for his experimental films, obsessive collecting, and avant-garde mysticism, Smith lived at the crossroads of art, magic, and madness. Tom unpacks how Smith's creative output wasn't just inspired by occult ideas—it was occult work in itself.

Tune in as we discuss Smith's magical worldview, his influence on countercultural currents, and why his visionary legacy still challenges and inspires occult thinkers, artists, and practitioners today. (There's also a lot of cool punk rock talk too!!)

On this episode of Thelema Now!, host Harper Feist welcomes musician Ailise Blake for a deep and evocative conversation about creativity, ritual, and the transformative power of sound. Ailise's work merges haunting melodies with esoteric inspiration, crafting sonic landscapes that explore magic, identity, and the sacred in everyday life.

Together, they discuss how artistic practice can serve as a path of initiation, the role of intuition in composition, and what it means to bring Thelemic ideas into modern music. Tune in for an inspiring blend of art, philosophy, and the occult — where every note becomes an invocation. Listen to Ailise's music on her website which includes a video.

In this special episode of Thelema Now!, host Harper Feist engages with artist Gast Bouschet, whose haunting, alchemical works blur the boundaries between ritual, landscape, and transformation. Because speaking is physically painful for Bouschet, this episode takes a unique form: a reading of a text conversation that unfolded between Harper and Gast on Instagram. Bouschet's words—brought to life by Frater Acher—reveal deep reflections on art as a living current, the role of resistance and decay in creative process, and the interplay between spirit and matter. Through this intimate exchange, listeners are invited into Bouschet's shadowed yet luminous world, where the borders between the seen and unseen dissolve. To see Gast's work, visit his website or Instragram page.

In this illuminating episode of Thelema Now, host Harper Feist welcomes renowned esoteric scholar and author Christopher McIntosh to discuss his latest book, The Call of the Old Gods: My Occult Journey on the Pagan Path. Drawing on decades of scholarship in Western esotericism, McIntosh explores how ancient deities continue to speak to the modern world, offering insight, connection, and a sense of sacred purpose in our disenchanted age.

The conversation weaves through themes of mythology, personal gnosis, the revival of Pagan traditions, and the enduring presence of the gods in contemporary spiritual practice. Harper and Christopher also touch on his previous work, his experiences in the esoteric world, and how The Call of the Gods reflects a lifetime of mystical inquiry and devotion.

Whether you're a practicing Magickian, a lover of myth, or simply curious about the divine voices echoing through time, this episode is sure to awaken your inner seeker. Find out more about Christopher McIntosh at his website https://ozgard.net

Thelema Now Episode: Richard Kaczynski – Friendship in Doubt, Crowley, and the Magic of Connection

In this wide-ranging and engaging conversation, host Harper Feist welcomes back renowned Thelemic scholar Richard Kaczynski to discuss his latest book, Friendship in Doubt. Together, they explore the complex web of relationships surrounding Aleister Crowley, the role of loyalty and betrayal in spiritual movements, and how personal dynamics can influence magical work.

The discussion doesn't stop there—Harper and Richard dive into Crowley's early work The Sword of Song, unpacking its philosophical underpinnings and literary flair. They also touch on the practice of Magick itself, including its evolution and application in both historical and contemporary contexts.

Whether you're a seasoned student of Thelema or just curious about the people behind the philosophy, this episode is full of insight, scholarship, and a few surprises. Tune in and get inspired!

If you are someone who enjoys Tarot - then do we have an episode for you! In this podcast, host Harper Feist talks to Christophe Poncet, who has just published Down Here. Down Here is the first of a meticulously researched and lavishly illustrated three volume work, The Tarot of Marsilio by Christophe Poncet; a landmark inquiry into the origins of the Tarot de Marseille. Listen as Christophe discuss the orgin of Tarot de Marseille and the surprising findings of his research.

The lovely Deja Whitehouse talks to Thelema Now host Harper Feist about her latest book, "The Lady and the Beast: The Extraordinary Partnership between Frieda Harris and Aleister Crowley." Deja and Harper discuss Frieda Harris's life, her Thoth Tarot collaboration with Crowley, and her struggles as a woman at time when women had few choices and even less rights. Check it out! You can find out more about Deja Whitehouse at her website.

In this Thelema NOW episode, Harper interviews Joseph Peterson, about "Mysteriorum Libri Quinque: Dr. John Dee's Five Books of Mysteries." This book from the 16th century, remains to this day one of the most important core texts of occult literature and a comprehensive guide to Enochian magic, encompassing language, symbolism, rituals, and practical techniques. This deluxe Weiser Ankh edition is a compilation of John Dee's secret spiritual treatises and was prepared from the original manuscript (preserved in the British Library) in Dee's own handwriting. These secret writings were discovered long after John Dee's death (c. 1609); they had been tucked away in a hidden compartment of an old wooden chest and were remarkably spared from destruction—uncovered only a few years before the Great Fire of London in 1666. In these five secret treatises, John Dee, one of the most renowned scholars of the Elizabethan era, records in minute detail his research into the occult.

Joseph discusses working with damaged manuscripts, Dee's Biblical references, and Divine Revelation. They also mention Esoeric Archives, which you can access here. Check it out!

Thelema Now's Harper Feist speaks with Frater U∴D∴! Frater U∴D∴ is the co-founder of both the Bonn Workshop for Experimental Magic and the Magical Pact of the Illuminati of Thanateros (IOT). He is one of Europe's most renowned practical magicians and contemporary occult authors. Frater U∴D∴ has studied with yoga and tantra masters and has been involved with the practical aspects of occultism in general and magic in particular for more than half a century.

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 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!

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.

In this dramatic follow on to the Peter JENX on ThaiOccult 2 Harper leads a conversation between Frater Acher and Peter JENX on the topic of magical talismans. They not only consider the significance of human remains in talismans, but also a world view that knows how to regard every object as a talismanic manifestation.

Peter Jenx is the guest on this episode of Thelema NOW, and Harper talks to him on the occasion of the release of the long-awaited sequel to his first book "The Thai Occult." "The Thai Occult Two" explores the wide regional variations in Thai folk magic. This interview explores the place of the "ajarn" or local sorcerer in Thailand, their selection and training. We also talk about the nature of the lineages, and how the tradition – even the magic itself – changes with the needs of the people the ajarns serve. This is a wild ride!

Besides the amazing things that Peter says in this interview, he tells us that he is nearly done writing the third in the series; be assured that you'll hear Peter Jenx's voice again on TN when that book is released!

In this episode of ThelemaNOW, Harper talks with actor, dancer, director and ceremonial magician Robert Allen about his new book Imago: Body. Vision. Magick, recently released by Theion Publishing.

The book leads us to some amazing discussions about the very significant overlap between magick and theater, and the history of the image, and Robert reveals one of the many useful exercises in the book.

To buy the book: https://theionpublishing.com/shop/imago/ To learn about Robert's workshops: https://performancemovementmagick.com/

In this episode of ThelemaNOW, Harper talks with Brian Cotnoir on the occasion of the release of his new book "On Alchemy." Brian has been practicing alchemy as the art and science of perfecting a process for many years. The book is your opportunity to participate in his current, along with the classic history of the practice and many illuminating exercises. Hear more about it in this fascinating discussion!

Buy the book here: On Alchemy by Brian Cotnoir: 9781786787705 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books

See more of Brian's work here: www.KhepriPress.com

Peter Mark Adams is an author, poet, esotericist and professional energy worker specializing in the ethnography and visuality of ritual, sacred landscape, esotericism, consciousness and healing. With a background in Philosophy from the University of Liverpool, Peter pursues advanced studies on iconology and iconographic; Renaissance art and material culture with the Warburg Institute's School of Advanced Studies in London. Peter's esoteric non-fiction is published through Scarlet Imprint Current offerings include the book discussed in the interview: Hagia Sophia - Sanctum of Kronos: Spiritual Dissent in an Age of Tyranny, Mystai: Dancing out the Mysteries of Dionysos and The Game of Saturn: Decoding the Sola-Busca Tarocchi. To buy Hagia Sophia – Sanctum of Kronos: https://scarletimprint.com/publications/p/hagia-sophia-sanctum-of-kronos

To hear the remarkable sounds described by Peter in the interview: https://youtu.be/rsLgLNgA-_Q

In this fascinating ThelemaNOW episode, Harper talks to friend and colleague Red K. Elders about art and movement, magic and bodies. Red's perhaps best known for her stellar pencil drawings inspired by Greek mythological figures. She's also a bodyworker and movement therapist. Underneath everything, she understands what it means to be nourished by the natural world, something we discuss in detail.

Click to view her principal website and one devoted to sales of her wonderful art.

Also, we talk a bit about Red's upcoming class with the Blackthorne School entitled Somatic Sorcery, which starts Monday, May 15!

The class description and registration site are here: https://www.theblackthorneschool.com/courses/somatic-sorcery/

In this wide-ranging interview, Scott Michael Stenwick and Harper talk about everything between John Dee and quantum mechanics, by way of Eugene Wigner and the Falkland Islands.

Scott is an author, blogger, esotericist, software developer, information technology consultant, and speculative fiction enthusiast. He writes fantasy and science fiction, and non-fiction books on the Western Esoteric Tradition. He also contributes to non-fiction anthologies that cover topics related to magical practices and esoteric spirituality.

Read more about Scott on his websites ScottStenwick.com and Blogspot. And buy the book we discussed here or on Amazon here.

Thelema Now welcomes Sasha Chaitow! Having written her Ph.D. thesis on Joséphin Péladan, Dr. Sasha Chaitow is uniquely qualified to present a complete picture of the man and his works, both from an artistic and an esoteric standpoint. In particular, she has studied and documented – and is teaching – his initiatory system. In this Thelema Now episode, Dr. Chaitow and Harper Feist discuss the metaphysical and esoteric aspects of Péladan's life, some of which happened side by side with Aleister Crowley in Paris. Put on your seatbelt, this interview is a good one! Be sure to check out Sasha's book -Son of Prometheus: The Life and Work of Joséphin Péladan.

Jake Stretton-Kent died after an extended illness and the world will never be quite the same.

Jake was a lot of things to a lot of people, clear from the hundreds of tributes written in Facebook and other social media platforms since the announcement. He was an incredibly influential magician and author, having given us Grimorium Verum, Geosophia, the Testament of Cyprian the Mage, Goetic Liturgy, Thus Spake Magnus Dictus and the Rosicrucifixion, amongst others. He also worked on each issue of Hadean Press' Conjure Codices.

His laser-focus on relationships with spirits incited an entire generation of practitioners to a more thoughtful approach. He was a serious researcher and adept, a magical experimentalist while retaining both feet in a foundation of history and literature. Amusingly, to discover his sources, we often had to inquire personally about them. The bad part was that we couldn't just dig through his references, the good part was that when you asked him, he would provide a stunning background and a thorough understanding of anything he'd ever written.

Jake was one of Thelema Now's favorite authors to interview because he was so damnably funny and ridiculously charming. We at Thelema, Now! wish Jake the best of future adventures. May he be granted the accomplishment of his True Will. We also wish peace and relief to Karel and the rest of his family and close colleagues.

Goodbye, Jake. And farewell.

-Harper Feist

Host Harper Feist speaks with Frater Acher about his new book Holy Heretics, the third and final volume of the Holy Daimon cycle. Listen as he and Harper Feist talk about doing magick as a lone practitioner, sacred bells, and what working with your Holy Daimon really means. Frater Acher is the author of theomagica.com as well as a friend and collaborator of Quareia Magical Training. He holds an MA in Communications Science, Intercultural Communications, and Psychology, as well as certifications in Systemic Coaching and Gestalt Therapy. He has studied Western Ritual Magic in theory and practice at I.M.B.O.L.C. (magieausbildung.de) and has been actively involved in magic as a lone practitioner for more than twenty years. His book Ingenium is released by TaDehent.

Samuel David and Thelema Now host Harper Feist dig deep in a wide-ranging discussion that includes Christianity, Inanna, and all points in between. It's - in Samuel's words - Sexy, sultry, and sorceress!! Listen to find out more! You can buy Samuel's book, Lioness: The Song of Inanna at Miskatonic Books. You can see a video about the book on YouTube. Enjoy!

Thelema Now host Harper Feist speaks to author and artist Orryelle Defenestrate-Bascule. Merging the concepts of sexuality, Magick, and art, Defenestrate-Bascule explores the erotic nature that's within us all! You can view his art at www.esoterotica.art. He also discusses his film Solve et Coagula. View the trailer, reviews, and streaming here! Enjoy!

The always awesome and entertaining Jason Miller returns to Thelema Now and discusses what it means to be a Sorcerer. TN host Harper Feist gets to the bottom of what it means to do the work, see the results, and get stuff done. Jason has a new book - Consorting with Spirits: Your Guide to Working with Invisible Allies - check it out!

TN host Harper Feist speaks to author Carl Abrahamsson! One of the privileged few who spent time with the "Black Pope" in the last decade of his life, Carl Abrahamsson met Anton LaVey in 1989, sparking an "infernally" empowering friendship.

In Carl's new book - Anton LaVey and the Church of Satan: Infernal Wisdom from the Devil's Den - he explores what LaVey was really about, where he came from, and how he shaped the esoteric landscape of the 1960s.

Find out more here!

Hey - did you know that Aleister Crowley had a tin ear and didn't like music that much?! WHO KNEW?! Listen to this fascinating conversation (no really, it is!) between TN's Harper Feist and musician/author/speaker Rodney Orpheus. He has a new Cassandra Complex release and it's AWESOME!! Check it out on Spotify!

Thelema Now's Harper Feist talks to Algol from the band Mehenet. Algol is also an OTO Brother, in addition to his other ritual practices. Check out Mehenet's Bandcamp page - and check out the full song Dona Sete at the end of the interview! Listen and enjoy!

Man Has The Right To Dress As He Will! History has been made! This episode of Thelema Now is the first where both the host, Harper Fiest, and the guest, Trevor Gray, are nude! The perfect setting for author Trevor to discuss his book "A Whisper in the Silence: An Inspiring Naturist Love Story." Enjoy!