Down at the Crossroads features one on one discussions with today’s most influential Pagan artists, authors, musicians, teachers, leaders, bloggers, podcasters, and more! We will attempt to push the community forward and take devil’s advocate to a whole new level all while hearing some great music by today’s greatest Pagan and Pagan inspired musicians and bands. **Formally known as The Infinite and the Beyond.**
DatC Minisode 6 - Beginners & Books
Hello and thank you once again for joining us down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame, and we usually cross paths with today’s most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers, but tonight that isn’t happening because it’s minisode time! That’s right. It’s time to get personal. I am your bewitching, bald headed, host Chris Orapello and tonight Tara and I sit down to discuss the current books we’d recommend to new practitioners of the craft while reminiscing about the books we no longer recommend and why that’s changed. It was good to get back behind the microphone and as you’ll find out, the caterpillars were plenty. (Click Here for the complete show notes)
3/19/2023 • 56 minutes, 53 seconds
DatC #109 - Consorting with Jason Miller
Hello and thank you once again for joining us down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame, and we cross paths with today’s most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers. I am your bewitching, bald headed, host Chris Orapello and tonight Tara and I welcome author Jason Miller back to the show to talk about his book Consorting with Spirits: Your Guide to Working with Invisible Allies. And during our discussion we also get into chopping vegetables, bad ass witches, horror and magick, what a spirit is, personal gnosis, witchcraft and sovereignty, and more. This was an insightful discussion with Jason that garnished an immense amount of food for thought -vegetables included- and we hope you enjoy it. (Click here for the full show notes)
10/23/2022 • 2 hours, 13 minutes, 16 seconds
DatC Film Club 8 - A Dark Song (2016)
Hello and thank you once again for joining us down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we usually cross paths with today’s most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers, but tonight that’s not happening because it’s film club time. I am your bewitching, bald headed, host Chris Orapello and tonight, Tara and I are joined by a friend as we watch Liam Gavin’s 2016 film A Dark Song. So make some popcorn. Secure your copy, sit down, and get comfortable as we delve into the realms of ritual magick and see what happens when you try and teach an old grimoire new tricks. Are you curious? We certainly hope so. Please be aware that this episode does contain spoilers, but we are happy to bring this conversation to you and hope that you participate with us in our viewing of the film. (Click Here for the complete show notes)
7/18/2022 • 1 hour, 20 minutes, 15 seconds
DatC #108 - The Weird Wide World of Lonnie Scott
Hello and thank you once again for joining us down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we cross paths with today’s most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers. I am your bewitching, bald headed, host Chris Orapello and tonight Tara and I meet with podcaster and author Lonnie Scott to discuss his path as a Chaonimist Heathen Sorcerer and more. Lonnie is the midwestern regional steward for The Troth and a future author with Llewellyn books. During the discussion we get into his involvement with Paganism and Heathenry, his experiences with the paranormal and hunting vampires, his first legit WTF moment, his involvement with The Troth, living in Saga Times, Problems within modern Heathenry, its Wiccan roots, and why Lonnie is a bad Heathen. This was an overdue yet frank discussion and we’re finally glad to have Lonnie on the show and to address an area of modern practice that we’ve largely avoided until now. Now, along with our discussion we will be hearing music by Faun, Hey Satan, SJ Tucker, Langfinger, and Wardruna. (Click here for the complete show notes)
3/19/2022 • 2 hours, 14 minutes, 36 seconds
DatC # 107 - The Horned God of the Witches with Jason Mankey
Hello and thank you once again for joining us down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we cross paths with today’s most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers. I am your bewitching, bald headed, host Chris Orapello and tonight Tara and I meet with blogger, teacher, and author Jason Mankey to discuss his book The Horned God of the Witches available from Llewellyn. Get ready for the lingering effects of the Satanic panic, Jesus with boobs, phalluses old and new, internalized homophobia, the history of witchcraft books, alcohol and community, the problem of evil, makeup and the shaving of one’s legs, Elen of the ways, authenticity, and more. This is a fun, long overdue, interview with Jason and we’re happy to finally be able to bring it to you. (Click here for the complete show notes for this episode)
2/13/2022 • 2 hours, 23 minutes, 42 seconds
DatC Film Club 7 – The Devil Rides Out (1968)
Hello and thank you once again for joining us down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we usually cross paths with today’s most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers, but tonight that’s not happening because it’s film club time. I am your bewitching, bald headed, host Chris Orapello and tonight, Tara and I turn our eyes and minds to the 1968 Hammer Horror Classic, The Devil Rides Out starring Christopher Lee and Charles Gray and a list of others. Secure your viewing experience and join us we delve into a world of black magick, chickens, an Eliphas Levi montage, kidnapping, purple robes, giant spiders, Golden Dawn ritual, devil worship, forced romance, and no seatbelts. Are you intrigued? We certainly hope so. Now, please be aware that this episode does contain spoilers, but we are happy to bring this conversation to you and hope that you participate with us in our viewing of the film. (Click here for the complete show notes)
1/2/2022 • 1 hour, 22 minutes, 56 seconds
DatC Minisode 5 - Now & Before
Hello and thank you once again for joining us down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame, and we usually cross paths with today’s most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers, but tonight that isn't happening because it's minisode time! That’s right. It’s time to get personal. I am your bewitching, bald headed, host Chris Orapello and tonight Tara and I sit down to discuss where the hell we’ve been and what we’ve been up to during the majority of 2021 and to let you know that we’re still here and we’re not going anywhere! (Click here for the complete show notes)
12/29/2021 • 35 minutes, 32 seconds
DatC #106 – The Four Elements of the Wise with Ivo Dominguez Jr.
Hello and thank you once again for joining us down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame, and we cross paths with today’s most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers. I am your bewitching, bald headed, host Chris Orapello and tonight Tara and I meet with teacher and author Ivo Dominguez Jr. to discuss his new book The Four Elements of the Wise: Working with the Magickal Powers of Earth, Air, Water, Fire. During our discussion we delve into dealing with the pandemic, reading professionally, The New Alexandrian Library, Between the Worlds, Kumbaya magick, advanced books, approaching the elements in a new way, how to magickally keep the ice in your drink from melting, Voltron, and more. Ivo was a fun guest, and it was great to have him back on the show. ()
8/16/2021 • 1 hour, 53 minutes, 35 seconds
DatC #105 - New World Witchery with Cory Thomas Hutcheson
Hello and thank you once again for joining us down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we cross paths with today’s most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers. I am your bewitching, bald headed, host Chris Orapello and tonight Tara and I meet with podcaster and now author Cory Hutcheson to discuss his long-awaited book New World Witchery: A Trove of North American Folk Magic. During the episode we talk about social media, conversations that are needed, the instant gratification culture in witchcraft, the history of the craft and why that is important, and just what new world witchery is all about. It was great to sit back down with Cory and pick his brain. We certainly hope you enjoy this discussion because it is always fun to chat witchcraft with Cory. (Click here for the full show notes)
5/30/2021 • 1 hour, 43 minutes, 53 seconds
DatC #104 - The Cult of Water with David Bramwell
Hello and thank you once again for joining us down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we cross paths with today’s most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers. I am your bewitching, bald headed, host Chris Orapello and tonight Tara and I meet with author and musician David Bramwell about his recent book “The Cult of Water” and upcoming album of the same name released by his band Oddfellow’s Casino. During the discussion with learn about his background as an author, musician, and Druid; how came to find Druidry as a path; his prior esoteric experiences and involvements; and how his growing up in Doncaster -under the influence of two ancient beings- shaped his world. This was a pleasant and very unexpected conversation that gets complimented by his music during the show. David was a great guest, and we are happy to have the opportunity to share his work with you all tonight. (Click here for the complete show notes)
3/21/2021 • 2 hours, 10 minutes, 34 seconds
DatC #103 - With Via Hedera
Hello and thank you once again for joining us down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we cross paths with today’s most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers. I am your bewitching, bald headed, host Chris Orapello and tonight Tara and I meet with artist, author, folklorist, esoteric researcher, and cartomancer Via Hedera to discuss her experiences, thoughts, and path as a witch. During the discussion we touch upon ownership of place, finding your own way in a multicultural world, cultural appropriation, rat letters, dealing with history in one’s practice, as well as learning about her art and her upcoming book Folkloric American Witchcraft and the Multicultural Experience: A Crucible at the Crossroads available for preorder from Moon Books. Via was a great guest and we hope you enjoy this thought-provoking episode. (Click here to view the complete show notes)
1/10/2021 • 2 hours, 6 minutes, 59 seconds
DatC Film Club 6 - Outcast (2010)
Hello and thank you once again for joining us down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we usually cross paths with today’s most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers, but tonight that’s not happening because it’s film club time. I am your bewitching, bald headed, host Chris Orapello and tonight, Tara and I turn our eyes and minds to Colm McCarthy's 2010 film Outcast. That’s right, make some popcorn, secure your copy, lower the lights, sit down, get comfortable, and join us as we watch and discuss tonight’s movie where shit gets weird, love is in the air, magick is afoot, and a beast stalks a family harboring a secret. Get ready from some great world building and interesting takes on magick and sorcery. Please be aware that this episode does contain spoilers, but we are happy to bring this conversation to you and we hope you participate with us in our viewing of the film. (Click here for the complete show notes)
11/22/2020 • 1 hour, 21 minutes, 47 seconds
DatC #102 - Mooney Mankey Pandemonium
Hello and thank you once again for joining us down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we cross paths with today’s most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers. I am your bewitching, bald headed, host Chris Orapello and tonight Tara and I Zoom with authors Thorn Mooney and Jason Mankey about covening and being witches during the Pandemic. Generational witchcraft. Internet drama and how so many of us seem to love it. Putting people on pedestals or thrones as the case may be. Issues with social media and more. This was a frank lively chat with a lot of great insight, and a bit of unbridled horsing around. So, hop on and giddy up to this latest installment that we hope you enjoy. (For the complete show notes, click here)
9/20/2020 • 2 hours, 23 minutes, 15 seconds
DatC Film Club 5 - The Ninth Gate (1999)
Hello and thank you once again for joining us down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we cross paths with today’s most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers, but tonight that’s not happening because it’s film club time. I am your bewitching, bald headed, host Chris Orapello and tonight, Tara and I turn our eyes and minds to Roman Polanski's 1999 film The Ninth Gate. That’s right, make some popcorn, secure your copy, lower the lights, sit down, get comfortable, and join us as we watch and discuss tonight’s movie where Johnny Depp plays a rare and exotic book detective who crosses the threshold of money and power as he walks into a world of magick and the occult where death, deception, and intrigue only draw him further into deciphering a centuries old puzzle designed by the devil himself. Please be aware that this episode does contain spoilers, but we are happy to bring this conversation to you and we hope you participate with us in our viewing of the film. (Click here for the complete show notes for this episode)
7/19/2020 • 1 hour, 18 minutes, 33 seconds
DatC Film Club 4 - The Lords of Salem (2012)
Hello and thank you once again for joining us down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we usually cross paths with today’s most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers, but tonight that’s not happening because it’s film club time. I am your bewitching, bald headed, host Chris Orapello and tonight -along with a friend- Tara and I turn our eyes and minds to Rob Zombie’s 2012 film The Lords of Salem. That’s right, make some popcorn, secure your copy, lower the lights, sit down, get comfortable, and join us as we watch and discuss tonight's movie where Rob Zombie nurtures his inner Ken Russell and brings back some familiar faces in tonight’s witchy horror. LOL. Please be aware that this episode does contain spoilers, but we’re happy to bring this conversation to you and we hope you participate with us in our viewing of the film. (Click here for the complete show notes)
5/31/2020 • 1 hour, 2 minutes, 55 seconds
DatC Film Club 4 - The Lords of Salem (2012)
Hello and thank you once again for joining us down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we usually cross paths with today’s most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers, but tonight that’s not happening because it’s film club time. I am your bewitching, bald headed, host Chris Orapello and tonight -along with a friend- Tara and I turn our eyes and minds to Rob Zombie’s 2012 film The Lords of Salem. That’s right, make some popcorn, secure your copy, lower the lights, sit down, get comfortable, and join us as we watch and discuss tonight's movie where Rob Zombie nurtures his inner Ken Russell and brings back some familiar faces in tonight’s witchy horror. LOL. Please be aware that this episode does contain spoilers, but we’re happy to bring this conversation to you and we hope you participate with us in our viewing of the film. (Click here for the complete show notes)
5/31/2020 • 0
DatC #101 - Psychic Witch with Mat Auryn
Hello and thank you once again for joining us down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we cross paths with today’s most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers. I am your bewitching, bald headed, host Chris Orapello and tonight Tara and I welcome blogger, teacher, and now author Mat Auryn back to the show to discuss his new book, Psychic Witch: A Metaphysical Guide to Meditation, Magick, and Manifestation. During the episode we talk about his recent participation at PantheaCon and being a presenter as well as workshop etiquette and being an attendee. His experiences on being a professional witch in Salem, Massachusetts during the month of October. Some tips and tricks on how to keep oneself from psychically burning out as well as his thoughts on extra sensory perception, the spirit of place, and more. Chronologically, this conversation occurred at two different times, but we'll get into that later. This was a fun and unexpected chat and we hope that you enjoy it. (Click here for the full show notes for this episode)
5/24/2020 • 2 hours, 30 minutes, 52 seconds
DatC Film Club 3 - Suspiria (2018)
Hello and thank you once again for joining us down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we usually cross paths with today’s most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers, but tonight that’s not happening because it’s film club time. I am your bewitching, bald headed, host Chris Orapello and tonight Tara and I turn our eyes and minds to Luca Gaudagnino’s (Gau-Duh-Nino) 2018 remake of Dario Argento’s 1977 film Suspiria. That’s right, make some popcorn, secure your copy, lower the lights, sit down, get comfortable, and join us as we watch and discuss tonight's movie, in which “The Women are up to something” LOL. Please be aware that this episode does contain spoilers and the audio for this conversation might sound roomy at times due to whatever setting we accidentally had on the microphone. But despite that, we’re happy to bring this long overdue conversation to you and we hope you participate with us in our viewing of the film. (Click here for the complete show notes)
4/19/2020 • 57 minutes, 49 seconds
DatC #100 - Hanging Out with Matthew Venus
Hello and thank you once again for joining us down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we cross paths with today’s most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers. I am your bewitching, bald headed, host Chris Orapello and tonight Tara and I welcome witch and folk magician Matthew Venus to the show to talk about witchcraft, his work, and more. You're definitely in store for a very lively and energetic discussion full of anecdotes and insights as we touch upon his background as well as his thoughts on witchcraft; witchcraft and politics; his distinction between hoodoo, rootwork, and conjure; his business Spiritus Arcanum, magical correspondences, the upcoming Salem Witchcraft & Folklore Festival happening in Salem Massachusetts, and more. Matthew was a great guest and very happy to share his perspective on a variety of topics. (Click here for the complete show notes)
3/15/2020 • 1 hour, 56 minutes, 14 seconds
DatC #099 - Witchbody with Sabrina Scott
Hello and thank you once again for joining us down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we cross paths with today’s most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers. I am your bewitching, bald headed, host Chris Orapello and tonight Tara and I meet with author and artist of the graphic novel Witchbody, Sabrina Scott. During our discussion we talk about her background growing up as a Spiritualist as well as how she got into witchcraft, how she defines witchcraft, cultural appropriation, the hierarchy of being, purity politics, world views in witchcraft, and more. Sabrina was a great guest and as you can tell we really touch upon a variety of topics in this episode. (Click here for the complete show notes)
2/26/2020 • 1 hour, 59 minutes, 45 seconds
DatC #098 - Traditional Witchcraft with Shani Oates
Hello and thank you once again for joining us down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we cross paths with today’s most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers. I am your bewitching, bald headed, host Chris Orapello and tonight Tara and I meet with author and Maid of the Clan of Tubal Cain herself, Shani Oates to talk about her thoughts on Traditional Witchcraft. During our discussion we go into how she got started on her path as well as debunking the myths about her background, her thoughts on the differences between Traditional Witchcraft and Wicca, Her avoidance of using the term witch, Robert Cochrane, the Clan of Tubal Cain, being a women in Traditional Witchcraft, and more. Shani was a great guest. We were very honored to have her on the show and we look forward to speaking with her again in the future. (Click here for the complete show notes)
1/12/2020 • 1 hour, 49 minutes, 24 seconds
DatC #097 - Getting Witchy with Elizabeth Graham
Hello and thank you once again for joining us down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we cross paths with today’s most influential Pa-gans, occultists, and deep thinkers. I am your bewitching, bald headed, host Chris Orapello and tonight Tara and I meet with Patheos blogger Elizabeth Graham to talk about their experiences growing up in a witchy family in New England as well as their paranormal encounters, their thoughts on witchcraft, leaving Wicca, their blog on Pa-theos, their involvement with the Temple of Witchcraft, and more. Elizabeth was a fun guest and they were just as delightful in person as they were in this episode. (Click here for the complete show notes for this episode)
12/22/2019 • 1 hour, 30 minutes, 18 seconds
DatC #096 - Transformative Witchcraft with Jason Mankey
Hello and thank you once again for joining us down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we cross paths with today’s most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers. I am your bewitching, bald headed, host Chris Orapello and tonight Tara and I meet with Jason Mankey to learn about his book Transformative Witchcraft: The Greater Mysteries available from Llewellyn. And along with that we discuss his Pagan witchcraft journey and what caused him to move away from his Christian background, his early Goddess practices and experiences as a witch, his thoughts on witchcraft and how it has changed over the years, the modern origins of witchcraft, inclusivity in Traditional Wicca, the future of modern craft, and more. Jason was a great guest and this conversation has great anecdotes and personal stories as well. “The rites and rituals of Witchcraft are life-changing experiences, but they are also steeped in mystery. Transformative Witchcraft delves into some of the most persistent mysteries of the Craft and provides insightful guidance for raising and directing magickal energy in accordance with your desires. Jason Mankey distills his decades of experience as he shares practical wisdom for raising a cone of power and detailed insights into creating powerful rituals for dedications, initiations, and elevations. In his chapter on drawing down the moon, he provides a vivid exploration of invocation and the subtle nuances in preparation and execution that can take the ritual to its most magisterial heights. This book also discusses one of the most mysterious of all the magickal rituals―the Great Rite. Whether you’re interested in the Great Rite in token or in truth, there is much to be gleaned from the experiences related here on a topic that is frequently treated as taboo in much of the magickal literature.” “Direct experience with the divine and the potent energies of magick are defining experiences in a life of Witchcraft. Filled with compelling personal stories, a fascinating brief history of modern Wicca and Witchcraft, striking original rituals, and a wealth of tips and techniques, this book provides the beginning or intermediate Witch with the practical and theoretical keys they need to unlock the mysteries of the Craft.” - Transformative Witchcraft (back cover) Featured Music: “The Golden King” by Witchwood “Hymn to Herne” by S.J. Tucker “Green and Grey” by Damh the Bard “The Battle of Evermore” by Finvarra “Pollen Path” by Elana Low “The Call of the Mountains” by Eluveitie “I Was Here When the Sea Was Young” by Ill Wicker “A Rose for Epona” by Eluveitie Links: Panmankey.com Raise the Horns (Patheos Blog) Mystic South Sirius Rising HexFest Beyond the Gates ConVocation 2020 PantheaCon 2020 Call and leave us a message at (856) 481-2984 Find the show on: iTunes . Stitcher . Google Play . Spotify . iHeartRadio Player FM . Podbean . Libsyn . RSS . Facebook And on other podcast services! ***Support the show on Patreon!*** Receive special benefits, show swag, extra content, and more!
11/17/2019 • 1 hour, 46 minutes, 59 seconds
DatC #095 - Southern Cunning with Aaron Oberon
Hello and thank you once again for joining us down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we cross paths with today’s most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers. I am your bewitching, bald headed, host Chris Orapello and tonight Tara and I meet with Aaron Oberon to learn about his book Southern Cunning: Folkloric Witchcraft In The American South available from Moon Books. During the discussion we touch upon Christianity and witchcraft, social media, his thoughts on witchcraft, initiation by spirit, the necessity and limitations of initiation in general, and his ideas surrounding folkloric witchcraft. This was a fun conversation and like we say by then of it, if your spirits don’t have a sense of humor, then you need some new spirits. *Visit official show notes for further show information
10/27/2019 • 1 hour, 55 minutes, 32 seconds
DatC #094 – Y Mabinogi (Second Branch) with Damh the Bard
Hello and thank you once again for joining us down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we cross paths with today’s most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers. I am your bewitching, bald headed, host Chris Orapello and tonight Tara and I welcome Damh the Bard back to the show to discuss the second branch of his Y Mabinogi albums. During the discussion we talk about myth versus story, materialism, Science and Paganism, re-enchanting the world, his thoughts on how paganism exists in the UK and how it differs from the USA, and more. This is definitely an unexpected discussion, but it was certainly a great one to have. Admittedly we get a little political in the episode, but what do you expect with the bullshit going on in the world and damn it, sometimes, you got to get yelly. So, consider yourself warned. *Visit official show notes for more info
9/2/2019 • 1 hour, 55 minutes, 44 seconds
DatC #093 - Talking Persephone with Wendy Rule
Hello and thank you once again for joining us down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we cross paths with today’s most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers. I am your bewitching, bald headed, host Chris Orapello and tonight Tara and I welcome back Australian Visionary Songstress Wendy Rule to discuss her latest album, Persephone. We learn about the goddess herself and the story she is most associated with, while discussing the role she has played in Wendy’s life and career. All in all, it was fun conversation and certainly great to speak with Wendy once again. *Visit official show notes for further episode information.
6/16/2019 • 2 hours, 7 minutes, 25 seconds
DatC Film Club 2 - The VVitch (2015)
Hello and thank you once again for joining us down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we usually cross paths with today’s most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers, but tonight that’s not happening because it’s film club time. I am your bewitching, bald headed, host Chris Orapello and tonight Tara and I sit down with our good friend Nissa to turn our eyes and minds to Robert Eggers’ 2015 film The VVitch. That’s right, make some popcorn, secure your copy, sit down, get comfortable, lower the lights, and join us as we watch and discuss tonight’s movie. (Just an FYI, there were several audio issues with the recording and I tried to correct them as best as I could.) Please be aware that this episode does contain spoilers and we will be having a pre-movie discussion and then a post-movie discussion, however we won’t be watching the film during the recording of the episode, but we will be hearing music by Wardruna, Horse Cult, and Damh the Bard. If you’re a fan of the show Daria from back in the day on MTV then you’re in for a special treat, because Nissa is a Morgendork, but before we elaborate on just what that is and get into the talking about The VVitch, here’s Gibu by Wardruna. In 1630 New England, panic and despair envelops a farmer, his wife and their children when youngest son Samuel suddenly vanishes. The family blames Thomasin, the oldest daughter who was watching the boy at the time of his disappearance. With suspicion and paranoia mounting, twin siblings Mercy and Jonas suspect Thomasin of witchcraft, testing the clan’s faith, loyalty and love to one another. Featured Songs: “Gibu” by Wardruna “Day Dreams and Night Mares” by Horse Cult “Sabbat” by Damh the Bard Links: Morgendorks: A Daria Podcast The Apprehension Engine The VVitch (2015) IMDB Bane and Beauty (Blog) —————————————————— Call and leave us a message at (856) 481-2984 Find the show on: iTunes . Stitcher . Google Play . Spotify . iHeartRadio . TuneIn Player FM . Podbean . Libsyn . RSS . Facebook And on other podcast services! —————————————————— ***Support the show on Patreon!*** Receive special benefits, show swag, extra content, and more! ——————————————————-
3/31/2019 • 1 hour, 29 minutes, 49 seconds
DatC #092 - Folk Catholicism with Mallorie Vaudoise
Hello and thank you once again for joining us down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we cross paths with today’s most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers. I am your bewitching, bald headed, host Chris Orapello and tonight Tara and I speak with Mallorie Vaudoise about her background. How she got into Folk Catholicism and the magic and practices associated with it. How Catholicism exists in the USA versus Italy. Ancestor work and the all-important task of reclaiming the past in the new way. All in all, Mallorie was a delightful guest and we hope you enjoyed this long overdue conversation with her. Featured Music: “All Things Change” by Kan’Nal “Verd Min” by Eivør “Citrus Mistress” by POM “The Magician” by The Hills and the Rivers “Sea Song” by The Owl Service “Sway” by POM Links: Italian Folk Magic (website) Italian Folk Magic (Facebook) Naples is for Necromancers (Video Lecture) Call and leave us a message at (856) 481-2984 Find the show on: iTunes . Stitcher . Google Play . Spotify . iHeartRadio Player FM . Podbean . Libsyn . RSS . Facebook And on other podcast services! ***Support the show on Patreon!*** Receive special benefits, show swag, extra content, and more!
3/17/2019 • 1 hour, 29 minutes, 24 seconds
DatC #091 - Botanical Magic with Amy Blackthorn
Hello and thank you once again for joining us down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we cross paths with today’s most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers. I am your bewitching, bald headed, host Chris Orapello and tonight Tara and I speak with witch, tea blender extraordinaire, and author Amy Blackthorn to discuss her book Blackthorn's Botanical Magic: The Green Witch’s Guide to Essential Oils for Spellcraft, Ritual & Healing. During our discussion we learn about her journey into witchcraft and her early experiences as a witch and how a blizzard helped her to start her business Blackthorn Hoodoo Blends, but we start things off with touching upon her successful Facebook page Witchcraft-Down & Dirty. It was great to finally have Amy on the show and we’re glad to finally get this conversation out to you. "Here is the first contemporary guide to the transformative powers of essential oils for use in spellcraft and the cultivation of ritual power. From rose-scented rosaries to the lingering aroma of frankincense, and the cleansing energy of white sage, Amy Blackthorn— the woman behind Blackthorn Hoodoo Blends —will take you on a journey beyond the soothing, healing power of scents into their hidden realms and their use in prayer, meditation, and shamanic journeying. One of the very first of its kind..." Anger Into Action Oil Blend (Place a couple drops of this blend into your oil diffuser or mop bucket. Recipe amounts equal enough for a 2ml bottle.) 5 drops of Cardamom 30 drops Sandalwood (Australian) 25 drops Neroli 10 drops Petitgrain 5 drops Ginger Featured Songs: " "Witchka" by S.J. Tucker "Brotin" by Eivør "Melusina" by Sharon Knight "A Faery Song" by Melanie Gruben "Stones" by Tara Rice “Battle of Evermore” by Finvarra "Maker of My Sorrow" by Eliza Rickman "Little Bird" by S.J. Tucker Links: Blackthorn's Botanical Magic Blackthorn Hoodoo Blends Witchcraft-Down & Dirty ------------------------------------------------------ Call and leave us a message at (856) 481-2984 Find the show on: iTunes . Stitcher . Google Play . Spotify . iHeartRadio Player FM . Podbean . Libsyn . RSS . Facebook And on other podcast services! ------------------------------------------------------ ***Support the show on Patreon!*** Receive special benefits, show swag, extra content, and more! -------------------------------------------------------
1/17/2019 • 1 hour, 44 minutes, 14 seconds
DatC #090 - Traditional Wicca with Thorn Mooney
Hello and thank you once again for joining us down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we cross paths with today’s most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers. I am your bewitching, bald headed, host Chris Orapello and tonight Tara and I speak with witch, YouTuber, blogger, and now author Thorn Mooney about her book Traditional Wicca: A Seeker's Guide. During the discussion we touch upon her background as a witch, her thoughts on witchcraft, Traditional Wicca and being a practicing Gardnerian and High Priestess of her coven, Foxfire. We discuss the difference and alleged conflict between Traditional Wicca and Traditional Witchcraft. As well as the gate keeping that occurs online, how social media has shaped people's perception and other issues such as classicism, outdated information, the pursuit of knowledge, and personal growth. This is a very frank discussion about modern practice and we hope that you enjoy it. Thorn was a great guest and we hope to speak with her again in the future. While there are many powerful variations of contemporary Witchcraft, traditional Wicca offers unique experiences for those who seek it out. This book explores structured, coven-based styles of Wicca, in which the practitioners typically trace initiatory lineages back to Wicca's early founders. Discussing covens, initiations, lineages, practices, ethics, and more, Traditional Wicca shares tips and ideas on how to get the most from this profound approach to Witchcraft. Discover how to recognize healthy, reputable covens. Learn how to navigate the process of asking for training and succeeding in an outer court. Explore the spiritual strength of lineages, hierarchies, and initiation. This book also includes contributions from several practitioners, providing valuable first-person perspectives on what it's like to be on the traditional Wiccan path. - Traditional Wicca (back cover) Featured Songs: "Witchka" by S.J. Tucker "Brotin" by Eivør "Melusina" by Sharon Knight "A Faery Song" by Melanie Gruben "Stones" by Tara Rice “Battle of Evermore” by Finvarra "Maker of My Sorrow" by Eliza Rickman "Little Bird" by S.J. Tucker Links: Thorn Mooney YouTube: Thorn Mooney Patheos: Oathbound ------------------------------------------------------ Call and leave us a message at (856) 481-2984 Find the show on: iTunes . Stitcher . Google Play . Spotify . iHeartRadio Player FM . Podbean . Libsyn . RSS . Facebook And on other podcast services! ------------------------------------------------------ ***Support the show on Patreon!*** Receive special benefits, show swag, extra content, and more! -------------------------------------------------------
11/18/2018 • 2 hours, 41 seconds
DatC #089 - Textile Artist, Polly Lind
Hello and thank you once again for joining us down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we cross paths with today’s most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers. I am your bewitching, bald headed, host Chris Orapello and tonight Tara and I speak with witch, animist, and textile artist Polly Lind to discuss her background in witchcraft and her wonderful art. Polly is a witch in New Zealand and is a Fabric Artist who makes modern tapestries, banners, and wall hangings that have been inspired by magic, mythology and ancient cultures from around the world. It was great to finally speak with Polly as she is not only an artist and a fun guest, but she also has background in religious studies. It was interesting to hear how the availability of books in New Zealand shaped the witchcraft and pagan communities there. Also, if you’re a Flat Earther, you’re probably not going to like our discussion about how witchcraft in the southern hemisphere differs from the northern hemisphere. All in all, Polly was a fun guest and we hope you think so too! Featured Songs: “Sinking Sands” by Dogwood “Battle of Evermore” by Finvarra “IngwaR” by Wardruna “Green and Grey” by Damh the Bard “Stolen Season” by S.J. Tucker “Home in your Heart” by Elephant Revival Links: PollyLind.com Patreon: Poly Lind Watch the equator experiment in Uganda ------------------------------------------------------ Call and leave us a message at (856) 481-2984 Find the show on: iTunes . Stitcher . Google Play . Spotify . iHeartRadio Player FM . Podbean . Libsyn . RSS . Facebook And on other podcast services! ------------------------------------------------------ ***Support the show on Patreon!*** Receive special benefits, show swag, extra content, and more! -------------------------------------------------------
9/30/2018 • 1 hour, 51 minutes, 31 seconds
DatC #088 - Six Ways with Aidan Wachter
Hello and thank you once again for joining us down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we cross paths with today’s most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers. I am your bewitching, bald headed, host Chris Orapello and tonight Tara and I speak with talismanic jeweler, musician, and author Aidan Wachter about his work, music, and new book Six Ways: Approaches and Entries for Practical Magic. We learn about Aidan's origins, his beginnings with magick and jewelry making. Plus his relationship to groups and their nature and his music which not many people seem to know about. As we talk about his book -Six Ways- we learn about some of the stories behind the work and how it came to be. As well as explore his definition of magick, his approach to working with spirits, and what his current practice looks like. This was a friendly and fun discussion and we were extremely thankful to finally meet with Aidan on the show. Six Ways is a collection of approaches and entries for practical magic. It is not a system, grimoire, or belief system. The focus is on the development of healthy spirit ecologies with a decidedly animist bent. - Aidanwachter.com Featured Songs: "A Will of Its Own" by Wendy Rule "Salt" by Eivør "Two Hands" by Drova "4DC" by Aidan Wachter "Peace Tonight" by Elephant Revival "Hekate" by Faun "The Wicker Man" by Damh the Bard "Odal" by Wardruna Links: AidanWachter.com Six Ways by Aidan Wachter Aidan Wachter on Bandcamp ------------------------------------------------------ ***Support the show on Patreon!*** Receive special benefits, show swag, extra content, and more! -------------------------------------------------------
8/31/2018 • 2 hours, 12 minutes, 14 seconds
DatC Film Club 1 - Suspiria (1977)
Hello and thank you once again for joining us down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we usually cross paths with today’s most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers, but tonight that’s not happening because it’s film club time. I am your bewitching, bald headed, host Chris Orapello and tonight Tara and I turn our eyes and minds to Dario Argento’s 1977 film Suspiria. That's right, make some popcorn, secure your copy, sit down, get comfortable, lower the lights, and join us as we watch and discuss tonight's movie. Please be aware that this episode does contain spoilers and we will be having a pre-movie discussion and then a post-movie discussion, however we won't be watching the film during the recording of the episode. Featured Music "Devil’s Courtship" by Horse Cult "Silent Impulse" by Ill Wicker Links Trailer for Suspiria (1977) on YouTube Trailer for Suspiria (2018) remake on YouTube **If you like what you've heard, please consider supporting us through our Patreon page and check out the show archive for other great content!**
7/22/2018 • 50 minutes, 16 seconds
DatC #087 - The Elements of Spellcrafting with Jason Miller
Hello and thank you once again for joining us down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we cross paths with today’s most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers. I am your bewitching, bald headed, host Chris Orapello and tonight Tara and I speak with author, sorcerer, and teacher Jason Miller to discuss his recent book The Elements of Spellcrafting: 21 Keys to Successful Sorcery. However, we start the conversation with learning about his background (because oddly enough we never actually talked about it before) as well as ponder what his super villain name might be. While in our discussion of his book we explore his thoughts regarding enchantment and making your life more enchantable, the idea of harm none and magickal caveats in spellcrafting, substitutions in magick and in one's practice, the pitfalls of striving for absolute authenticity, his beliefs about magick and how he thinks magick works, and more. All in all it was a really good to talk and we hope you enjoy what Jason had to say. There is no shortage of spells out there. Some books highlight thousands of spells, but do any of them actually work? And how well do they work? I don’t mean just getting a result—I mean getting a result that matters, a result that will impact your life or the lives of those you work for. The Elements of Spellcrafting provides the most effective and efficient ways to get things done with magic. The Elements of Spellcrafting identifies and explains 21 keys to successful sorcery—a best practices of sorcery—in three sections: Principals and strategies for how best to apply magic before you begin. Methods and tactics that will ensure a positive outcome. How to take spells to the next level—building a life of spiritual accomplishment and material success beyond the basics. If you have ever cast a spell that didn’t work, The Elements of Spellcrafting will help you figure out why. If you regularly cast spells that seem to work but you still wind up in the same circumstances, this book will definitely help you chart a new course for victorious spellcrafting. - The Elements of Spellcrafting, back cover [caption id="attachment_6628" align="alignright" width="177"] Blood red torma offering described by Jason. Photo by Jason Miller.[/caption] Featured Songs: "The Magician" by The Hills and the Rivers "Movements in the Sky" by Church of the Cosmic Skull "Freedom Song" by Omnia "Fallon City Messiah" by Hey Satan "No harm" by Tara Rice "Hekate" by Faun Links: The Elements of Spellcrafting: 21 Keys to Successful Sorcery StrategicSorcery.net Strategic Sorcery Course Sorcery of Hekate Hexfest in New Orleans 2018 Mystickal Tymes (New Hope, PA) ------------------------------------------------------ ***Support the show on Patreon!*** Receive special benefits, show swag, extra content, and more! -------------------------------------------------------
6/17/2018 • 1 hour, 44 minutes, 37 seconds
DatC Minisode 4 - Catbutts & Checklists
Hello and thank you once again for joining us down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame, and we usually cross paths with today’s most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers, but tonight that isn't happening because it's minisode time! I am your bewitching, bald headed, host Chris Orapello and tonight Tara and I sit down to discuss spell-work, favorite spells, spell mistakes, backfires, and even mishaps. Along with our main topic we'll be discussing updates regarding us, the show, our book, as well as reading listener email and during the episode we even make a quick phone call with Australian visionary songstress Wendy Rule to talk about her Full Moon Magic live stream concerts. All in all, it’s another good time and we hope you enjoy it. Minisode Topic: Spell-work How do you define/explain what a spell is? What are your favorite go-to “back pocket“ spells? What was your first spell? Spell backfires or mistakes? Featured Songs: "The Wolf Sky" by Wendy Rule "A Will of Its Own" by Wendy Rule "Neptune" by S. J. Tucker "Mother" by Witchwood Links: Philadelphia Pagan Pride Day "Besom, Stang, & Sword" by Christopher Orapello & Tara-Love Maguire YouTube: "Witchcraft Practice: Be Practical" by Chris Orapello Patheos: "One Order of Witchcraft Medium-Rare, Hold the Gods please" by Laura Tempest Zakroff Wendy Rule ***Support the show on Patreon!*** Receive special benefits, show swag, extra content, and more!
4/23/2018 • 1 hour, 42 minutes, 59 seconds
DatC #086 - Sigil Witchery with Laura Tempest Zakroff
Hello and thank you once again for joining us down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we cross paths with today’s most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers. I am your bewitching, bald headed, host Chris Orapello and tonight Tara and I speak with author, artist, blogger, dancer, and designer Laura Tempest Zakroff about her new book Sigil Witchery: A Witch’s Guide to Crafting Magick Symbols, from Llewellyn. During our discussion we touched upon the relationship between art and magick, mark making, sigil creation, right and left brain thinking, the use of symbols in society and magick, and more. Laura was a fun guest as always and we were delighted to have her back on the show. Sigils are magical symbols that are designed to influence ourselves and the world around us. Tracing through history, art, and culture, this illustrated book offers an innovative and fresh approach to sigil magick that is accessible and intuitive. You don't need a degree in art or magick to make effective sigils! Learn how to manifest your will through your very own designs. Explore traditional and modern meanings of shapes, symbols, numbers, letters, and colors, while receiving guid- ance on how to add personal meaning to your marks. Sigil Witchery includes methods of application, tips for choosing materials, and important considerations for both temporary and permanent sigils. This book helps you improve your drawing techniques, use sample exercises to challenge yourself, and gain deeper metaphysical insight and inspiration—all to guide you to develop your own powerful sigil magick. - Sigil Witchery, back cover Featured Songs: "The Worship of Trees" by Telling the Bees "Walpurgisnacht" by Faun "Verd Min" by Eivør "Devil's Courtship" by Horse Cult "Baba Yaga" by The Nathaniel Johnstone Band "Seven Veils" by The Nathaniel Johnstone Band "Freedom Song" by Omnia "Dove of Mine" by Eliza Rickman Links: Lauratempestzakroff.com Sigilwitchery.com Owlkeyme Arts: The Art of Laura Tempest Zakroff Patheos: A Modern Traditional Witch ------------------------------------------------------ ***Support the show on Patreon!*** Receive special benefits, show swag, extra content, and more! -------------------------------------------------------
3/31/2018 • 1 hour, 54 minutes, 10 seconds
DatC #085 - Magical Destinations with Natalie Zaman
Hello and thank you once again for joining us down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we cross paths with today’s most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers. I am your bewitching, bald headed, host Chris Orapello and tonight Tara and I speak with author and Wandering Witch herself Natalie Zaman about her book Magical Destinations of the Northeast available from Llewellyn. As with all new guests, we learn about Natalie's background, how she found her path, and what ultimately inspired her book as we explore some of the locations she visited while researching and what she experienced while she was there. All in all, this was energetic conversation about reclaiming your local landscape and gaining a new perspective on the sites and landmarks of where you live. Every state in America has sacred sites―places that change you, heal you, and make you feel alive. Magical Destinations of the Northeast details more than 300 spiritual destinations perfect for meditation, magic, and just plain fun. This hands-on guidebook also includes spells and rituals and provides tips for the magical uses of official state plants, flowers, gems, minerals, and trees. There are pockets of magic to be found everywhere―places that make you stop in your tracks as powerful energies speak to your soul. This book is filled with awe-inspiring destinations, featuring little-known gems, natural landscapes, and manmade creations, as well as Native American and African American heritage sites. With everything from witch’s temples to Druid circles, spiritualist communities to mysterious stones, this book will make your next trip a truly magical journey. - Magical Destinations of the Northeast (back cover) Featured Songs: "Imbolc Song" by S.J. Tucker "After the Storm" by Wendy Rule "Wax Nostalgic" by Eliza Rickman "Free" by Omnia "Peace Tonight" by Elephant Revival "The Art of Magick" by Ralph Buckley "Silvitni" by Eivør "Burn Me Out" by S.J. Tucker Links: Natalie Zaman.com "Magical Destinations of the Northeast" by Natalie Zaman "The Alchemist" by Paul Coelho "Jennifer, Hecate, Macbeth, William Mckinley, And Me, Elizabeth" by E.L. Konigsburg World Wide Labyrinth Locator Genesis Farm Dog Chapel Dog Mountain Mount Rushmore Devil's Tower ------------------------------------------------------ ***Support the show on Patreon!*** Receive special benefits, show swag, extra content, and more! ------------------------
2/27/2018 • 1 hour, 58 minutes, 25 seconds
DatC #084 - Y Mabinogi with Damh the Bard
Hello and thank you once again for joining us down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we cross paths with today’s most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers. I am your bewitching, bald headed, host Chris Orapello and tonight Tara and I welcome Damh the Bard back to show to discuss his new album Y Mabinogi: the First Branch of the Mabinogion a wonderful bardic adaptation by Damh himself with new music created to build upon the story of the first branch. Along with exploring the creation and music of his new album we learn more about his background and his former life as we discuss pagan leadership and community. You might be as pleasantly surprised as we were. The Mabinogion (Welsh pronunciation: [mabɪˈnɔɡjɔn]) are the earliest prose stories of the literature of Britain. The stories were compiled in Middle Welsh in the 12th–13th centuries from earlier oral traditions. The two main source manuscripts were created c. 1350–1410, as well as a few earlier fragments. These stories offer drama, philosophy, romance, tragedy, fantasy and humour, and were created by various narrators over time. The title covers a collection of eleven prose stories of widely different types. There is a classic hero quest, "Culhwch and Olwen"; historic legend in "Lludd and Llefelys" glimpses a far off age; and other tales portray a very different King Arthur from the later popular versions. The highly sophisticated complexity of the Four Branches of the Mabinogi defies categorisation. The stories are so diverse that a leading scholar has challenged them as a true collection... - Wikipedia Featured Songs: "Rhiannon" by Faun "Fire in the Head" by Sharon Knight "Glashtyn Shanty" by S.J. Tucker "Spirit of Albion" by Damh the Bard "Devil's Nettle" by Horse Cult "Who is Coming" by Damh the Bard "Tides" by Eivor "Annwn" by Damh the Bard "These Hollow Hills" by Damh the Bard Links: Damh the Bard: Nature, Myth, Magic, and Music "Y Mabinogi: The First Branch" in Damh's store The Order of Bards, Ovates, and Druids ***Support the show on Patreon!*** Receive special benefits, show swag, extra content, and more!
12/24/2017 • 1 hour, 54 minutes, 16 seconds
DatC Minisode 3 - Goblins & Faeries
Hello and thank you once again for joining us down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame, and we usually cross paths with today’s most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers, but tonight that isn't happening because it's minisode time! I am your bewitching, bald headed, host Chris Orapello and tonight Tara and I sit down to discuss the books which have inspired and influenced your paths as we read listener email. We also travel down the rabbit trails they evoke as well as reflect upon our recent journey to the realm of the fae to attend the International Faerie Convention itself, FaerieCon! This is a pretty goofy episode in all honesty. So, I guess we were still recovering from previous weekend when we recorded this. Minisode Topic: Listener email and reflecting on FaerieCon weekend. Featured Songs: "Gibu" by Wardruna "Satyros" by Faun Links: The Card and Vine Thunder Jay Studio "Y Mabinogi: The First Branch" a new album by Damh the Bard FaerieCon: Celebrating the Magical Life The Wytch Files Chris Orapello: A Witch in Southern New Jersey (YouTube) ***Support the show on Patreon!*** Receive special benefits, show swag, extra content, and more!
11/22/2017 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 44 seconds
DatC #083 - Glamour Magic with Deborah Castellano
Hello and thank you once again for joining us down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we cross paths with today’s most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers. I am your bewitching, bald headed, host Chris Orapello and tonight Tara and I welcome Deborah Castellano back to the show to discuss her new book Glamour Magic: The Witchcraft Revolution To Get What You Want and how it's not just about looking good and why it's more relevant to one's witchcraft and practice than some would initially think. Deborah offers up some of the secrets of glamour in our discussion and we even explore how different men can apply and utilize glamour in their everyday life. We also learn how we already do this type of work on a subconscious level and how as practitioners we can enhance and instill more magick in what we are doing to our benefit. All in all, it was great to sit down with Deborah and we hope you enjoy our conversation with her. Glamour is the art of taking what makes you exciting and interesting to others and using it as leverage in accomplishing your Great Work. This fun romp of a book helps you use glamour to accomplish total world domination . . . or to revolutionize your magical practice if ruling the world isn’t your thing. Glamour Magic encourages you to be crafty, cunning, and unafraid to want something fiercely. Learn how historical figures used glamour in their campaigns for greatness. Discover experiments, exercises, and rites for your Craft. Glamour is your secret weapon—your guide to finding what you want and getting it, too. - Glamour Magic (Backcover) Featured Songs: "Pretty Little Head" by Eliza Rickman "The Battle of Evermore" by Finvarra "Faithful Friend" by Eivor "Witchka" by S.J. Tucker "Seven Veils" by The Nathanial Johnstone Band "If You Were My Monster" by Tara Rice Links: The Mermaid and The Crow Charmed I’m Sure Natalie Zaman Sleep No More ***Support the show on Patreon!*** Receive special benefits, show swag, extra content, and more!
11/11/2017 • 1 hour, 34 minutes, 51 seconds
DatC #082 - For Puck's Sake, Mat Auryn!
Hello and thank you once again for joining us down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we cross paths with today’s most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers. I am your bewitching, bald headed, host Chris Orapello and tonight Tara and I - after being interviewed by him- finally got a chance to speak with Patheos blogger and teacher Mat Auryn about his work and path as a witch. We also explore his thoughts on witchcraft, the modern craft and the direction it's heading in, the devil, initiation, validation, cursing and more. We had a great time speaking with Mat and could not have predicted all the paths we wandered down during our chat with him. Mat Auryn (Massachussetts) is a witch, writer, professional psychic, and occult teacher throught New England. He has been drawn to the occult and metaphysical since an early age, reading books on witchcraft at eight years old. He is a graduate of Black Rose Witchcraft and a priest in Sacred Fires Tradition of Witchcraft founded by Devin Hunter. He is a current student and mentee of Christopher Penczak in the Temple of Witchcraft Mystery School, Laurie Cabot in the Cabot-Kent Hermetic Tradition and Jason Miller in the Sorcery of Hekate. He is a devotee of the Covenant of Hekate founded by Sorita D’Este. He writes for Patheos Pagan in his blog For Puck’s Sake and on his personal website. He has been featured in various magazines, radio shows, books and other periodicals such as DisInfo, The Wild Hunt, Magick Magazine, Moon Books, Cutline Press, Just Julie, Magical Experiments, and more. - matauryn.com Featured Songs: "Egil Saga" by Faun "The Swing" by Eivor "Raido" by Wardruna "Odal" by Wardruna "Maker of My Sorrow" by Eliza Rickman "The Devil’s Hole" by Swallows Links: Patheos: For Puck's Sake Mat Auryn: Psychic Witch Temple of Witchcraft Sacred Fires The Adoration of Pan by Johfra Bosschart Down at the Crossroads with Chris & Tara (interview article) Witch, You Do You (Article) That Time I Danced With The Devil (Article) Moth and Moon Studio Enchanted of Salem, MA ***Support the show on Patreon!*** Receive special benefits, show swag, extra content, and more!
10/12/2017 • 1 hour, 41 minutes, 22 seconds
DatC Minisode 2 - Memory & Dream
Hello and thank you once again for joining us down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame, and we usually cross paths with today’s most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers, but tonight that isn't happening because it's minisode time! I am your bewitching, bald headed, host Chris Orapello and tonight Tara and I sit down to discuss the books which have influenced our paths as well as updates, future happenings, shenanigans, and more. We're getting back on the horse and what better way than with a minisode? Minisode Topic: Books which influenced us. What books influenced you and your path? Featured Songs: "Ravens in the Library" by S.J. Tucker "Hunter" by Pandemonaeon Mentioned Podcasts New World Witchery The Wytch Files Of Orthodox and Awen Other Links: "12 Movies to Inspire Your Magic" by John Beckett "For Puck's Sake - Down at the Crossroads" by Mat Auryn Modern Witch Podcast (S7E10) with Devin Hunter Delmarva Pagan Pride Day South Jersey Pagan Pride Day ***Support the show on Patreon!*** Receive special benefits, show swag, extra content, and more!
9/17/2017 • 1 hour, 12 minutes, 9 seconds
DatC #081 - The Path of Paganism with John Beckett
Hello and thank you once again for joining us down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we cross paths with today’s most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers. I am your bewitching, bald headed, host Chris Orapello and tonight Tara and I welcome back Patheos blogger and now author John Beckett to discuss his new book The Path of Paganism: An Experienced-Based Guide to Modern Pagan Practice. During the discussion, we talk about the idea of Big Tent Paganism, Why Paganism is making a comeback, the necessity of myth, Pagan priesthood, and more. It was great to sit down and chat with John once again and we hope you enjoy the many directions that we went in. Paganism is a way of seeing the world and your place in it. It means challenging the assumptions of mainstream society and strengthening your relationships with the gods, the universe, your community, and your self. The Path of Paganism provides practical advice and support for honoring your values and living an authentic Pagan life in mainstream Western culture. Discover tips for establishing or deepening a regular practice. Explore how your spirituality can help you deal with life’s inevitable hardships. Learn the basics of leadership roles and other steps to take as you gain experience and move into more advanced practices. With questions for contemplation as well as rituals to help you integrate new concepts, this book guides you through a profoundly meaningful way of life. - Llewellyn.com Featured Songs: "The Circle Song" by Wendy Rule "Free" by Omnia "Age of Aquarius" by Ginger Doss "Fire in the Head" by Sharon Knight "The Wicker man" by Damh the Bard "Ancestors Song" by Kellianna "Stones" by Tara Rice "The Elemental Chant" by Wendy Rule Links: Patheos: Under The Ancient Oaks YouTube Channel: Under The Ancient Oaks ***Support the show on Patreon!*** Receive special benefits, show swag, extra content, and more!
7/31/2017 • 1 hour, 55 minutes, 17 seconds
DatC Minisode 1 - Bedknobs & Broomsticks
Hello and thank you once again for joining us down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame, and we usually cross paths with today’s most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers, but tonight that isn’t happening. It's minisode time! I am your bewitching, bald headed, host Chris Orapello and tonight Tara and I sit down for our very first minisode where we take time to do some updates and to discuss different things that interest us. This being our first time recording with two microphones, post production was a bit tricky and I can’t say it’s perfect, but it’s a good talk with the occasional bit of reverb unfortunately. My editing abilities are only so good, but next time we’re going to try a new recording set up. Enjoy! Minisode Topic: Witchy Movies What qualifies as a witchy movie? Which was our first? Which are our favorites? Which are our least favorite? Which movie depict witchcraft the best? Which movie depicts witchcraft the worst? Featured Songs: "The Trials of Madame Dillner” by Ill Wicker "Movements in the Sky" by Church of the Cosmic Skull Links: Ritual Ritual DatC #080 - The Witch's Cauldron with Laura Tempest Zakroff ***Support the show on Patreon!*** Receive special benefits, show swag, extra content, and more!
7/17/2017 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 11 seconds
DatC #080 - The Witch's Cauldron with Laura Tempest Zakroff
Hello and thank you once again for joining us down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we cross paths with today’s most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers. I am your bewitching, bald headed, host Chris Orapello and tonight Tara and I meet with blogger, artist, and author Laura Tempest Zakroff to discuss her new book The Witch's Cauldron, her background, her work, witchcraft, P-words, and more. We don't even scratch the surface of all that Laura is involved with because of some reminiscing and a lot of goofing around. Along with being an author Laura is an accomplished blogger, artist, performer, and musician as one of the key members of The Nathaniel Johnstone Band. All in all, this was another good time for Tara and I. We look forward to having Laura back on the show when her future book Sigil Witchery comes out and to catching up with her when she's in the motherland of Southern New Jersey. Explore the spellbinding history, tradition, and modern uses of the Witch’s cauldron. From blessing and using your cauldron in ritual and divination to practicing kitchen witchery with it, this easy-to-use book provides essential information for Witches of all ages and skill levels. The Witch’s Cauldron shows you the ins and outs of one of the most iconic tools in Witchcraft. Learn about the cauldron’s role in lore and mythology, its development through the ages, and old-world witchery. Discover how to choose, personalize, and care for your cauldron, and find unconventional ones already in your home. This entertaining book also features advice and spells from well-known writers, helping you delve into the endless possibilities for using a cauldron in your practice. - The Witch's Cauldron, Llewellyn Worldwide Featured Songs: "Ceridwen and Taliesen” by Damh the Bard "Baba Yaga" by The Nathanial Johnstone Band "Pretty Little Head" by Eliza Rickman "Seven Veils" by The Nathaniel Johnstone Band "Sinking Sands" by Dogwood "The Cauldron Born" by Damh the Bard "Spinning" by Elephant Revival "A Witch's Brew" by Omnia "The Morrigan" by Omnia "We Are Shangri-La" by S.J. Tucker "The Charm on Your Chest" by Ill Wicker "The Crossroads" by The Nathaniel Johnstone Band Links: LauraTempestZakroff.com Patheos Blog - A Modern Traditional Witch Witches and Pagan - Fine Art Witchery The Nathaniel Johnstone Band Owlkeyme Arts Patreon - Laura Tempest Zakroff ***Support the show on Patreon!*** Receive special benefits, show swag, extra content, and more!
7/1/2017 • 2 hours, 44 minutes, 26 seconds
DatC #079 - Under The Witching Tree with Corinne Boyer
Hello and thank you once again for joining us down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we cross paths with today’s most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers. I am your bewitching, bald headed, host Chris Orapello and tonight Tara and I meet with author and teacher Corinne Boyer to discuss her recent book Under the Witching Tree available from Troy Books and her upcoming book Plants of the Devil available from Three Hands Press. Corinne is a folk herbalist currently living in the Pacific Northwest and has a Bachelor of Science in biomedical science with an emphasis on plant chemistry and botany. She has been featured in two publications and will be the keynote speaker at this year's Viridis Genii Symposium happening June 9-11th in Damascus, Oregon. It was great to be able to sit down and speak with her about her work and we hope that enjoy our interview with Corinne. Be sure to stick around after the interview to hear about two special announcements that we have to share! Featured Songs: "Creator Destroyer" by Wendy Rule "Devil's Nettle" by Horse Cult "Green and Grey" by Damh the Bard "The Worship of Trees" by Telling the Bees "Call Me Satan" by Omnia "One Way Living" by Omnia "Now and Then" by Eliza Rickman "The Trials of Madame Dillner" by Ill Wicker Links: Maplemistwood.com Corinne Boyer on YouTube Marzena Ablewska, Illustrator Wyrd Journal Clavis Journal Volume 4 Viridis Genii Symposium Special Show Announcements: Announcement #1 Announcement #2 ***Support the show on Patreon!*** Receive special benefits, show swag, extra content, and more!
5/30/2017 • 2 hours, 8 minutes, 46 seconds
DatC #078 - The Witching Herbs with Harold Roth
Hello and thank you once again for joining us down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we cross paths with today’s most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers. I am your bewitching, bald headed, host Chris Orapello and tonight Tara and I meet with author, artist, alchemist, and leading authority on plants and herbal magick, Harold Roth to the discuss his new book The Witching Herbs: 13 Essential Plants and Herbs for Your Magical Garden, as well as his online store Alchemy Works which has been in business for over seventeen years. Along with our discussion we do an immense amount of laughing as we talk about his experiences with running a magickal business, his art, his thoughts on Andrew Chumbley as well as his thoughts regarding esoteric scholarship and the translation of older texts and manuscripts. Harold was a great guest and we certainly hope that you appreciate such an unexpected and enjoyable time as you learn another reason why we can't have nice things. Harold Roth is a leading authority on plant/herbal magic. His new book, The Witching Herbs, is an in-depth exploration of 13 essential plants and herbs most closely associated with witchcraft―13 because it’s the witching number and reflects the 13 months of the lunar calendar. The plants are poppy, clary sage, yarrow, rue, hyssop, vervain, mugwort, wormwood, datura, wild tobacco, henbane, belladonna, and mandrake. - The Witching Herbs Featured Songs: "Dove of Mine" by Eliza Rickman "Down to Sea" by Elephant Revival "Fire in the Head" by Sharon Knight "Frau Erde" by Faun "Scent of Your Skin" by Sharon Knight "Scarborough Faire" by Damh the Bard "Willow's Song" by The Familiars "Wytch's Brew" by Omnia Links: Alchemy Works Harold Roth, Artist The Alchemist's Garden - Growing with the Spirits Harold Roth on Etsy
4/9/2017 • 2 hours, 8 minutes, 10 seconds
DatC #077 - Love Magic with Lilith Dorsey
Hello and thank you once again for joining us down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we cross paths with today’s most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers. I am your bewitching, bald headed, host Chris Orapello and tonight Tara and I meet with author, filmmaker, and voodoo priestess Lilith Dorsey to talk about her experiences as a professional reader and witch as well as to discuss her new book, Love Magic: Over 250 Spells and Potions for Getting It, Keeping It, and Making It Last. Along with her book we also discuss her Patheos blog: Voodoo Universe, as well as the challenges she has faced through her involvement with Voodoo and Pagan communities and some of the misconceptions about Voodoo which she still deals with to this day. Based on years of magical experience and prodigious research, Love Magic includes sections on such topics as self-love, marriage, fertility, erotic adventures, the ethics of love magic, and more. The spells are drawn from a wide diversity of magical traditions and focus on an equally diverse situations. There are spells for finding love, keeping love, and healing yourself so that you are ready for love. The book also includes rituals for invoking goddesses of love. Dorsey considers and discusses all facets of the romantic experience. - blackbrigit.com Featured Songs: "Odal" by Wardruna "Legba's Feast" by Vodun "Hourglass" by Bekah Kelso (The Green Album) “La Sirene” by S.J. Tucker "The Morrigan" by Zoe Eliza "Bloodstones" by Vodun Other Books by Lilith Dorsey: The African-American Ritual Cookbook Voodoo and Afro-Caribbean Paganism 55 Ways to Connect to Goddess Links: Blackbrigit.com Patheos: Voodoo Universe "Azealia Bank's Brujeria" - Voodoo Universe, Patheos Twitter Pinterest Facebook YouTube
2/19/2017 • 1 hour, 41 minutes, 43 seconds
DatC #076 - Tarot for One with Courtney Weber
Hello and thank you once again for joining us down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we cross paths with today’s most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers. I am your bewitching, bald headed, host Chris Orapello and tonight Tara and I meet with author and Wiccan priestess Courtney Weber to discuss her new book Tarot for One as well as our time together at FaerieCon, the tarot deck she created Tarot of the Boroughs, along with some of the tips and tricks she’s learned over the years to running a coven. Courtney offers her insight into being a Priestess, her love of certain eighties movies, and further evidence that she’s not afraid to have a good time. This was a great discussion with Courtney as it was nice to speak with her for the first time since meeting at FaerieCon. Courtney Weber is a Priestess, author, and activist. She is the author of "Brigid: History, Mystery, and Magick of the Celtic Goddess" and "Tarot for One: The Art of Reading for Yourself (both through Weiser Books)." She is the producer and designer of "Tarot of the Boroughs": A contemporary Tarot deck set in NYC, composed of original photography. Courtney is on the board of Solar Cross Temple. She lives in Manhattan with her husband and cats. www.thecocowitch.com Featured Songs: “Down to Sea” by Elephant Revival "Wolf an Dro” by Omnia “Maker of my Sorrow” by Eliza Rickman “Rootless” by S.J. Tucker “Sea Song” by The Owl Service “Bridge of Birds” by The Familiars “Movements in the Sky” by Church of the Cosmic Skull “Condemned to Fire” by G00dewyfe Stores Mentioned: Soul Journey The Mystic Dream Catland Books The Sacred Well Phoenix and Dragon MindBodySoul Yoga Studio Other Links Mentioned: The Cocowitch.com FaerieCon The Slipper Room
1/31/2017 • 2 hours, 10 minutes, 50 seconds
DatC #075 - Tales of the Fantastic Judika Illes
Hello and thank you once again for joining us down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we cross paths with today’s most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers. I am your bewitching, bald headed, host Chris Orapello and tonight Tara and I meet with beloved author and witch Judika Illes to speak about The Weiser Book of the Fantastic and Forgotten: Tales of the Supernatural, Strange, and Bizarre, her Big Book of Practical Spells, as well as folklore, dealing with strangers, and the value of a good story. Our conversation with Judika started back when we were having technical difficulties so the first part of our discussion cuts off at a weird point and for that we apologize. Because of this we rescheduled with her, fixed our technical issues, and tried to continue the discussion where we left off. All in all it was a great time despite the difficulties and we hope that you enjoy it. Judika Illes is an independent scholar, educator, and author of several books of folklore, folkways, and mythology about the subjects of magic, the occult, divination, diverse spiritual traditions, witchcraft, and the paranormal. She is the author of four popular encyclopedias: The Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells, The Element Encyclopedia of Witchcraft. The Encyclopedia of Spirits, and the brand new Encyclopedia of Mystics, Saints, and Sages. Her other books include Pure Magic, Magic When You Need It, and The Weiser Field Guide to Witches as well as The Weiser Field Guide to the Paranormal (published under the alias Judith Joyce). - JudikaIlles.com Featured Songs: "Untamed" by Ill Wicker "Luna" by Omnia "Solstice Night" by S.J. Tucker "Scarborough Faire" by Damh the Bard "Melusina" by Sharon Knight "Creator Destroyer" by Wendy Rule "Twa Corbies" by Horse Cult "The Golden King" by Witchwood "Witch’s Cross" by Woodland "Seven Veils" by The Nathaniel Johnstone Band Links Mentioned: JudikaIlles.com Folk Horror Revival PantheaCon 2017 Red Wheel/Weiser Books
1/13/2017 • 2 hours, 23 minutes, 59 seconds
DatC #074 - The Charming Deborah Castellano
Hello and thank you once again for joining us down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we cross paths with today’s most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers. I am your bewitching, bald headed, host Chris Orapello and tonight Tara and I meet with witch, glamour magick muse, shop owner, blogger, and author Deborah Castellano to talk about her path as a witch, fancy dancing, glamour magick, working with life partners, and more. Tara and I had a great discussion with Deb, all while testing a new recording setup for the show and seemingly discussing everything under the sun and moon. Deborah will be having her first book published through Llewellyn in August of 2017, Glamour Magic: The Witchcraft Revolution to Get What You Want (available for pre-order from Amazon) and we thought now would be a great opportunity to sit down and chat with her for a spell. We hope you enjoy it. Writer. Crafter. Glamour Girl. Celebrated romance and occult writer Deborah M. Castellano is a published author, blogger, and frequent contributor to many publications of erotica and Pagan literature and essays. In addition to her own forthcoming works both fiction and non, Ms. Castellano will be featured in two Llewellyn annuals in 2015 and 2016. She founded her artisan craft shop, The Mermaid and The Crow in 2010. - deborahmcastellano.com Featured Songs: "Wolf an Dro” by Omnia “Let the wind blow” by Wendy Rule “Movements in the Sky” by Church of the Cosmic Skull “Witches’ Rune” by S.J. Tucker “Ghost Town” by Captain Crimson “Girl into Devil” by S.J. Tucker “Porcelain Princess” by Sharon Knight “Raido” by Wardruna Links Mentioned: The Mermaid and The Crow Charmed I'm Sure Glamour Magic: The Witchcraft Revolution to Get What You Want by Deborah Castellano (available for pre-order) Grove of the Other Gods
11/15/2016 • 1 hour, 51 minutes, 7 seconds
DatC #073 - Getting Shady with Shadowbwoy
Hello and thank you once again for joining us down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we cross paths with today’s most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers. I am your bewitching, bald headed, host Chris Orapello and tonight Tara and I meet with with folk magick practitioner and YouTuber Shadowbwoy from the YouTube channel MrShadowbwoy to discuss his path, his thoughts on witchcraft and his experiences as a witch and a YouTube personality. We have a fun conversation with him and were much appreciative that he was happy to come on the show as Tara and I have enjoyed his channel for some time. George, as he is also know as, has certainly helped to inspire many practitioners into finding and forging their own way down the crooked path. I am a practicing witch and have been practicing and raised in witchcraft and the occult since i could walk. This is a channel for Witches and warlocks of the Traditional craft, i also practice Hoodoo and Rootwork, this channel shows you 'How to' perform certain magical acts and also has my own personal views and opinions on the craft in general. Feel free to email me questions and i will make a video for you to help the best i can and SUBSCRIBE :) I dont bite :D - About MrShadowbwoy on YouTube Featured Songs: "On My Way To Somewhere" by Eivør "Morning Fire" by Horse Cult "Hunter" by Pandemonaeon "The Winnowing" by Swallows "Witches' Reel" by The Familiars "Scarborough Fair" by Damh the Bard Links Mentioned: MrShadowbwoy on YouTube Troy Books Carmina Gadelica Vol I Carmina Gadelica Vol II
9/25/2016 • 1 hour, 40 minutes, 12 seconds
DatC #072 - CUUPS and The Glowing Green Bird with John Beckett
Hello and thank you once again for joining me down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we cross paths with today’s most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers. I am your bewitching, bald headed, host Chris Orapello and tonight Tara and I meet with CUUPS officer, Druid, and Patheos blogger John Beckett to discuss his work and experiences with the Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans (CUUPS) as well as a recent blog post he wrote titled "The Otherworld is Bleeding Through" which touched upon real life otherworld experiences and dealing with them as people of the 21st century. I grew up in Tennessee with the woods right outside my back door. Wandering through them gave me a sense of connection to Nature and to a certain Forest God. I’m a Druid graduate of the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids, the Coordinating Officer of the Denton Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans and a former Vice President of CUUPS Continental. I’ve been writing, speaking, teaching, and leading public rituals for the past eleven years. I live in the Dallas – Fort Worth area and I earn my keep as an engineer. - Patheos: About John Beckett Featured Songs: "The Battle of Evermore" by Finvarra "1157 (Till It's Over)" by S.J. Tucker (from The Green Album) "Hourglass" by Bekah Kelso (from The Green Album) "Point of You" by Elephant Revival "The Swing" by Eivør "How Can We Believe We Own It All" by Damh the Bard (from The Green Album) Links Mentioned: Patheos: Under the Ancient Oaks "The Otherworld is Bleeding Through" by John Beckett "Talking About Our Experiences" by John Beckett Denton CUUPS Chapter Many Gods West Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans (CUUPS) CUUPS Convocation 2016 in Salem, MA The Green Album
7/5/2016 • 1 hour, 36 minutes, 23 seconds
DatC #071 - Modern Fortune Teller, Fiona Benjamin
Hello and thank you once again for joining me down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we cross paths with today’s most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers. I am your bewitching, bald headed, host Chris Orapello and tonight Tara and I meet with the Modern Fortune Teller herself, Fiona Benjamin to discuss her background as a magickal practitioner and a professional Tarot reader. During the discussion we learn about some of Fiona's history as well as talk about Shenism and the African Tribal Religion known as Quimbanda which Fiona is an initiate of. To close we talk about her business website ModernFortuneTeller.com and some of the issues with running an online occult business and how to be a good online customer. Featured Songs: "Maker of my Sorrow" by Eliza Rickman "Devil's Nettle" by Horse Cult "The Call of the Mountains" by Eluveitie "On My Way to Somewhere" by Eivør "We are Shangri-La" by S.J. Tucker "Stones" by Tara Rice Links Mentioned: ModernFortuneTeller.com Fiona Benjamin on Twitter Fiona Benjamin on Facebook "The Curse Collection" by Sarah Lawless Greater Church of Lucifer Chinese Folk Religion - Wikipedia Quimbanda Wolf and Goat
6/19/2016 • 1 hour, 42 minutes, 15 seconds
DatC #070 - Asfidity and Mad-Stones with Byron Ballard
Hello and thank you once again for joining me down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we cross paths with today’s most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers. I am your bewitching, bald headed, host Chris Orapello and tonight Tara joins us as we sit back down with the Appalachian Hillfolks Hoodoer herself Byron Ballard where we seemingly discuss everything under the Sun and Moon except her recent book Asfidity and Madstones, a further ramble through hillfolks hoodoo. The rabbit trails are strong with this one, but the conversation we have is not to be missed. Tara and I catch up with Byron as we also discuss her book, social media, and some of the current issues in the Pagan community. Featured Songs: "Down to Sea” by Elephant Revival “Witch's Cross” by Woodland “Porcelain Princess” by Sharon Knight “Baba Yaga” by The Nathaniel Johnstone Band “Dream of Mississippi” by S.J. Tucker “Long Black Curl” by Tuatha Dea Links Mentioned: MyVillageWitch.com Byron Ballard on Twitter Mother Grove Goddess Temple MGGT on Facebook Staubs and Ditchwater Asfidity and Mad-Stones Pagan Spirit Gathering PantheaCon FaerieCon Past Episodes with Byron #062 - Reaching The Next Generation at FaerieCon 2015 #055 - Magical Beginnings at FaerieCon 2104 #053 - Willful Bane: The Joy of Hex #050 - HillFolk's Hoodoo with Byron Ballard at FaerieCon 2014
5/31/2016 • 1 hour, 43 minutes, 8 seconds
DatC #069 - Hedge Witchery with Juniper Jeni
Hello and thank
you once again for joining me down at the crossroads for some
music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath,
offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we cross
paths with today’s most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep
thinkers. I am your bewitching, bald headed, host Chris Orapello
and tonight we meet Juniper Jeni to discuss her experiences as a
witch, Hedge Witchery, and The
Witches' Sabbat, a yearly event that takes place in Ontario
just outside of Ottawa which she teaches at and even helps to
organize. For those long time listeners of this podcast, Juniper
was the co-host of the former Pagan podcast Standing Stone and
Garden Gate and she has been on her path as a witch for twenty
years. During our discussion Juniper offers up her insights and
thoughts in regards to witchcraft and being witch as well her
approach to Hedge Witchery and what it is, and to close we learn
what's in store this year for the Witches' Sabbat.
The purpose of the Sabbat is to provide a forum where
practitioners and other interested persons can come together to
learn and share information relating to non-Wiccan witchcraft and
its associated practices. This is achieved in part by performing
rituals and workings to facilitate each individual’s personal
experience of these practices, be they newcomers or experienced
witches. This is also facilitated by discussion, story telling, and
teaching each other. The weekend consists of rituals, discussions,
workshops, a potluck with stone soup feast, and much more. Together
we build a relationship with the land, create a stang for the main
ritual, tell stories, hang out around the fire pit, and most
importantly: learn, share and grow as Witches. - The
Witches' Sabbat
Featured
Songs:
"No Harm" by Tara Rice
"Morning Fire" by Horse Cult
"Maker of My Sorrow" by Eliza Rickman
"Hunter" by Pandemonaeon
"Free" by Omnia
"Gibu" by Wardruna
Links Mentioned:
Walking The Hedge
The Witches' Sabbat
Ravens
Knoll
Kaleidoscope Gathering
4/26/2016 • 1 hour, 31 minutes, 44 seconds
DatC #068 - Opening Portals with Sharon Knight
Hello and thank you once again for joining me down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we cross paths with today’s most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers. I am your bewitching, bald headed, host Chris Orapello and tonight we meet with Sharon Knight to discuss the recent release of her new album Portals featuring the long anticipated recording of her beloved song Porcelain Princess - now music video- as well as other great songs featuring several artists from the Pagan music scene. When we last met with Sharon she was crowd funding for this very album so it's nice to speak with her, now that her goal has been fully achieved. Sharon and I not only discuss her new album, but we also touch upon her other interests as well as her involvements for the next several months. This is a fun, casual, death and life, discussion packed with insight, laughs, and bunch of links for you to check out!
Portals is envisioned as an otherworldly carnival, a traveling roadshow of musicians, each with the ability to open portals with their voices, their bows, their flying fingers. Meant to convey the spirit of life on the road, and the spontaneous magic of sitting in on each other’s sets, Sharon and Winter have invited several of the musicians they have shared stages with to add their unique talents to this collection of mythic song-stories. Featuring guest performances by SJ Tucker, Betsy Tinney, Alexander James Adams (Tricky Pixie), Nathaniel Johnstone (Abney Park), Heather Dale, Wendy Rule, Sonja Drakulich ( Faun, Stellamara), and several more! - sharonknight.net
Featured Songs:
"Walpurgisnacht" by Faun
"Black Snake" by Wendy Rule
"Tonight" by Tuatha Dea
"Slippers of Rose" by Sharon Knight
"Porcelain Princess" by Sharon Knight
"Baba Yaga" by Nathaniel Johnstone Band
"Sultry Summer Night" by S.J. Tucker
"On the Shoulders of Giants" by Damh the Bard
Festivals Mentioned:
Caldera Music Festival
Kaleidoscope Gathering
Steampunk World's Fair
New York Faerie Festival
HexenFest
Other Links Mentioned:
Dreaming Tree Soapworks
The Order of the Good Death
Ask A Mortician YouTube Channel
How To Die In Oregon (Documentary)
The Green Album
Isis Oasis Retreat Center
Caya Coven
The Sacred Well
Sharon Knight Herself:
Sharon Knight.net
"Porcelain Princess" Music Video
YouTube
Patreon
Get a tarot reading from Sharon!
Bandcamp.com
4/12/2016 • 1 hour, 47 minutes, 21 seconds
DatC #067 - The Devil's Dozen with Gemma Gary
Hello and thank you once again for joining me down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we cross paths with today’s most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers. I am your bewitching, bald headed, host Chris Orapello and tonight we meet with beloved author, witch, and artist Gemma Gary. Gemma and I have a great discussion which explores witchcraft, her experiences as a witch, her book The Devil's Dozen: Thirteen Craft rites for the Old One, and the issue of the devil in Modern Traditional Witchcraft. This a very interesting discussion which challenges some of the modern conceptions of witchcraft and how it may be practiced by some people in today's world.
The operations of magic and witchcraft deal with the hidden worlds of spirit and the powers innate within the natural world; within plant, stone and magical loci. The ‘Old One’, who in folk tradition is often named ‘The Devil’ embodies both the ‘rend in the veil’ and the spanning bridge between the worlds of the material and spiritual, the revealed and the hidden. It is through union with this entity that witches and folk magicians gained access to the powers that reside within the hidden realms and the natural world, and could awaken the potent fire within. In traditional folk belief, the Devil existed also as an embodiment of the chaotic forces of nature; a belief quite distinct and separate from that of the Church with its ‘Satan’ figure. To the witch, he might also represent the ‘darker’ aspects of the divine; the keeper and the revealer of the divine light, the psychopomp guide of souls, and the sentinel at the threshold unto the mysteries of death and the Otherworld. - Troy Books website
Featured Songs:
"Stolen Season" by S.J. Tucker
"Bridge of Birds" by The Familiars
"Pretty Little Head" by Eliza Rickman
"If You Were My Monster" by Tara Rice
"Call Me Satan" by Omnia
"Shade of Grey" by Witchwood
Other Books Mentioned:
Traditional Witchcraft - A Cornish Book of Ways by Gemma Gary
The Black Toad by Gemma Gary
The Charmer's Psalter by Gemma Gary
Related Links:
Gemma Gary
Troy Books
Troy Books on Twitter
Cornish Witchcraft
Museum of Witchcraft
Three Hands Press
3/26/2016 • 1 hour, 46 minutes, 21 seconds
DatC #066 - Communing with the Ancestors with Raven Grimassi
Hello and thank you once again for joining me down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we cross paths with today’s most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers. I am your bewitching, bald headed, host Chris Orapello and tonight we meet with beloved author, witch, and teacher Raven Grimassi to discuss his recent DVD Ever Ancient, Ever New, Witchcraft by the Hearthside and his recent book Communing with the Ancestors available from Weiser books. Raven and I have a great discussion about his work, the making of the DVD and his thoughts pertaining to life, witchcraft, and the ancestors. Raven even shares his plans for a future book that he has been working on for over 30 years which is one text that will surely be sought-after by anyone interested in the history of 19th century witchcraft and that's all I'm going to say about it because I'd like for Raven himself to have the honor of announcing this to all of you.
In his latest book, Communing with the Ancestors: Your Spirit Guides, Bloodline Allies, and the Cycle of Reincarnation, Raven Grimassi demonstrates how to communicate and make contact with ancestral spirits, including practical methods for seeking guidance from them. Join Raven as he explores the realm of the ancestors and the role of reincarnation in the soul’s relationship to its ancestral lineage. He explains the interactions between ancestors, the living, and the dead and examines how communication with the ancestors is strengthened through various techniques and ritual practices. True to Raven’s style, the book includes folklore, legends, and superstitions surrounding the topic. Shrines, altars, and offerings are discussed in detail. Ancient practices related to communing with the ancestors are revived and new rituals are provided through guided imagery. Sacred sites, power places, special portals to the ancients, reincarnation, and the “restless dead who are still bound to the earth realm”– Raven covers it all. - House of Grimassi ORDER FROM RAVEN’S LOFT
Featured Songs:
”Mr.Raven” by MC Lars
"Sea Song" by The Owl Service
"On My Way To Somewhere" by Eivør
"Bab Yaga" by The Nathaniel Johnstone Band
"Rootless" by S.J. Tucker
"Ravens in the Library" by S.J. Tucker
Other Books Mentioned:
The Cauldron of Memory
Related Links:
House of Grimassi
Raven's Loft - Witchcraft Supplies
What is the origin of the term 'Living Room'?
3/20/2016 • 1 hour, 39 minutes, 31 seconds
DatC #065 - Star.Ships with Gordon White
Hello and thank you once again for joining me down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we cross paths with today’s most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers. I am your bewitching, bald headed, host Chris Orapello and tonight we meet with author, blogger, and podcaster Gordon White to talk about his new book Star.Ships: A Prehistory of the Spirits now available from Scarlet Imprint. Star.Ships is a pivotal book and a must read for any magickal practitioner who is interested in deepening the context of their work through a provocative look into history. Gordon tirelessly lays out a historic narrative which demonstrates the underlining bedrock of human civilization and western occultism while intelligently addressing the issue of academic materialism found in modern archaeology and anthropology.
A defining text of the new magical renaissance, Star.Ships addresses the question of who we are now by tracing where we come from, and by drawing out the stories and the spirits that have journeyed and evolved with us. - Scarlet Imprint
Featured Songs:
“Porcelain Princess” by Sharon Knight
"Maker of My Sorrow" by Eliza Rickman
"Walpurgisnacht" by Faun
"Snow Moon" by S.J. Tucker
“A Will Of Its Own” by Wendy Rule
“The Battle of Evermore” by Finvarra
“Free” by Omnia
"We Are Shangri-La" by S.J. Tucker
Other Books Mentioned:
"The Origins of the World's Mythologies" by Dr. E. J. Michael Witzel
"Geosophia: The Argo of Magic" by Jake Stratton Kent
"Grimores: A History of Magic Books" by Owen Davies
Related Links:
Rune Soup
Scarlet Imprint
Rune Soup on Facebook
Gordon White on Twitter
2/29/2016 • 1 hour, 49 minutes, 17 seconds
DatC #064 - Practical Astrology for Witches and Pagans with Ivo Dominguez Jr.
Hello and thank you once again for joining me down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we cross paths with today’s most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers. I am your bewitching, bald headed, host Chris Orapello and tonight we meet with author and teacher Ivo Dominguez Jr. Previously appearing on the show via the two episodes (#062 and #055) recorded at FaerieCon, Ivo is an elder and one of the founders of the Assembly of the Sacred Wheel the very same organization which has given birth to long anticipated New Alexandrian Library, and he's even recently released a book titled "Practical Astrology for Witches and Pagans" available from Weiser Books. Ivo and I have a great discussion about his several involvements and his new book, but we only scratch the surface of his role in the Pagan despite our time together.
(The following book information is from Ivo's website)
Practical Astrology for Witches and Pagans: Using the Planets and the Stars for Effective Spellwork, Rituals, and Magickal Work
ISBN: 9781578635757 | Paperback | $18.95 | 6 x 9 | 256 pages | January 2016 | Weiser
More often than not, people think of astrology as a tool for divination or the exploration of one’s personality. Astrology is considerably more than that. It is a sacred science, a highly descriptive symbolic language, and it is also a technology that can be applied to ritual, herbalism, the use of crystals, and much more.
This is a practical handbook for any practitioner of magic to use in building individual rituals and creating the most effective magic. Concise, focused, and expertly presented, this book teaches the core concepts of astrology so that wiccans and pagans can truly apply it to their practices.
Please buy at a local store as your first option. If that is not possible you can order at Amazon.
Featured Songs:
"13 Moons" by Omnia
"Sinking Sands" by Dogwood
"Morning Song" by Eivør
"Birds and Stars" by Elephant Revival
"Neptune" by S.J. Tucker
"Age of Aquarius" by Ginger Doss
Related Links
Ivo Dominguez Jr.
The Assembly of the Sacred Wheel
The New Alexandrian Library
CWPN's Harvest Gathering
Free Spirit Gathering
Delmarva Pagan Pride Festival
Between the Worlds Conference (2015)
Sacred Space Conference
1/31/2016 • 1 hour, 46 minutes, 1 second
A Happy Announcement - My YouTube Channel
A short audio announcement about my YouTube channel A Witch in Southern New Jersey. Music "Hallowed Ground" by Rest You Sleeping Giant
1/15/2016 • 1 minute, 10 seconds
DatC #063 - Witchcraft and Krampus with Cory Hutcheson
Hello and thank you once again for joining me down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we cross paths with today's most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers. I am your bewitching, bald headed, host Chris Orapello and tonight Tara joins us as we meet with Cory Hutcheson of New World Witchery to discuss his podcast, his path as a witch, his thoughts about witchcraft and we close the show with a chat about Krampus and the annual Philadelphia event known as Krampuslauf.
Featured Songs:
"The Rakers" by Elephant Revival
"Rattle them Bones" by Swallows
"Down to the Sea" by Elephant Revival
"Girl Into Devil" by S.J. Tucker
"Hyme to Herne" by S.J. Tucker
"The Feast of Krampus" by S.J. Tucker
Related Links
New World Witchery
Perchten Procession
2015 Philadelphia KrampusLauf (pics)
2014 Philadelphia Krampuslauf (video)
12/23/2015 • 1 hour, 23 minutes, 59 seconds
DatC #062 - Reaching the Next Generation at FaerieCon 2015
Hello and thank you once again for joining me down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we cross paths with today's most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers. I am your bewitching, bald headed, host Chris Orapello and tonight we visit FaerieCon for a panel I moderated titled Reaching the Next Generation, which featured notable authors and leaders such as Ivo Dominguez Jr., Raven Grimassi, David Salisbury, Byron Ballard, and Michael G. Smith. During the panel we discuss the issues and problems of bridging the gaps found within a multi generational, diverse, and every developing religious community. Though we only manage to scratch the surface of this complex issue a lot gets addressed during the one hour panel session.
Featured Songs:
"Secrets Told" by Woodland
"The Skater" by The Owl Service
"Cupid's Arrow" by Woodland
"Point of You" by Elephant Revival
"Hymne der Nacht" by Faun
"Triceltika" by Omnia
"Stones" by Tara Rice
"Go On" by Elephant Revival
Related Links
Assembly of the Sacred Wheel
House of Grimassi
The Firefly House
The Mother Grove Goddess Temple
FaerieCon
FaerieWorlds
11/29/2015 • 1 hour, 38 minutes, 35 seconds
DatC #061 - Counting Witches On Pinheads with Gordon White
Hello and thank you once again for joining me down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we cross paths with today's most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers. I am your bewitching, bald headed, host Chris Orapello and tonight I meet with Rune Soup Blogger and Chaos Magician Gordon White about his article, Counting Witches On Pinheads, which he published in November of 2014 on the Rune Soup. Gordon and I have a great discussion about Chaos Magick, his article, and what he thinks the modern witchcraft movement should be doing. Gordon was a great guest and we had a lot of fun during this conversation.
Featured Songs:
"Tjuren" by Hedningarna
"Samhain" by The Owl Service
"Gibu" by Wardruna
"Witch's Cross" by Woodland
"The Call of the Mountains" by Eluveitie
"Lyke Wake Dirge" (Black Moon Version) by The Hare and The Moon
"Cernunnos" by Omnia
"A Puppeteer Came Into Town" by Telling The Bees
Related Links
Counting Witches On Pinheads by Gordon White - Rune Soup Blog
New forthcoming title from Gordon White - Scarlet Imprint
10/17/2015 • 1 hour, 32 minutes, 23 seconds
DatC #060 - Sabbat Box with Hugh Carey
Hello and thank you once again for joining me down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we cross paths with today's most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers. I am your bewitching, bald headed, host Chris Orapello and tonight I meet with Hugh Carey who happens to be one of the hard working men behind the online retailer Eclectic Artisans and the popular witchy subscription service Sabbat Box. Hugh and I have a great discussion about his businesses as well as the issues surrounding being a retailer in the Pagan community as well as the misconceptions and backlash that can often happen as a result. Sabbat Box has been in high demand since its unveiling in Spring of 2015 and it doesn't appear to be slowing down any time soon.
Below is an excerpt from an article posted on the Wildhunt Blog back in April of 2015 showing some of the backlash Hugh and Tom experienced:
...the problematic nature of even some Pagan ‘products’ such as Sabbat Box. We should be wary of attempts to sell us items evoking ‘Pagan Community’ and the imagery of magic, because this is the same ploy used to sell items devoid of meaning. - Click here for the complete Wildhunt article
Featured Songs:
“Moonwalker" by Bekah Kelso and the Fellas
"Bridges " by Eivør
"Zeitgeist" by Faun
"Cupid's Arrow" by Woodland
“Dream of Mississippi” by S.J. Tucker
"Black Snake" by Wendy Rule
“Wicker Man” by Damh the Bard
“Remember Me" by Eivør
Related Links
Eclectic Artisans
Sabbat Box
"The Ethics of 'Pay to Pray' - Wildhunt
"Column: Fetishes and Sticks – The Sorcery of Capitalism" - Wildhunt
9/17/2015 • 2 hours, 2 minutes, 48 seconds
DatC #059 - Flying with Sarah Anne Lawless
Hello and thank you once again for joining me down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we cross paths with today's most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers. I am your bewitching, bald headed, host Chris Orapello and tonight Tara and I meet with beloved blogger, artist, and professional witch Sarah Anne Lawless to discuss witchcraft, her blog, entheogens, flying ointments, and the idea and practice of soul flight. We have a great discussion about her work and experience as a non Wiccan witch and her flying ointments that are available online through the Black Arts Foundry website.
Featured Songs:
“Windflower” by Telling the Bees
“Down to Sea” by Elephant Revival
“The Golden King” by Witchwood
“Sabbat” by Damh the Bard
“Girl into Devil” by S.J. Tucker
“Kokopelli” by Omnia
“No Harm” by Tara Rice
“The Devil's Hole” by Swallows
Related Links
Sarah Anne Lawless.com
Black Arts Foundry
"For Fear of Flying" by Sarah Anne Lawless
"Counting Witches on Pinheads" by Gordon
"If Witches No Longer Fly" by Chas Clifton
7/1/2015 • 1 hour, 51 minutes, 23 seconds
DatC #058 - Stolen Season with S.J. Tucker
Hello and thank you once again for joining me down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we cross paths with today's most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers. I am your bewitching, bald headed, host Chris Orapello and tonight we meet with beloved singer songwriter, pixie pirate, myth punk, folk rocker S.J. Tucker to talk about her new album Stolen Season, what went into the creation of it, as well as her music, the genus loci, some of her personal path, and her unexpected draw towards Hoodoo and Vodou. SJ is a great guest and we had a rather intense conversation that kind of broke my brain a little by the end of it.
In 2014, S. J. celebrated ten solid and joyful years of touring and performing. This year, she’s released a new album called Stolen Season, which explores her Mississippi Delta jazz and blues roots more than ever before. On her plate for the rest of 2015 are such treasures as a new illustrated book based on her Wendy & Peter Pan songs (with an album to follow), a myths-and-literature-inspired song collection called Stormchaser, a video game soundtrack, and a long-awaited follow-up to her spiritually focused Blessings album, called Rootless. - sjtucker.com
Featured Songs:
"Willie O'Winsbury” by The Owl Service
“Willow's Song” by The Familiars
“Rain Down” by Ginger Doss
“The Emerald Horizon” by Tara Rice
“Birds and Stars” by Elephant Revival
“The Battle of Evermore” by Finvarra
“Dream of Mississippi” by S.J. Tucker
“Stolen Season” by S.J. Tucker
“La Sirene” by S.J. Tucker
“Little Bird” by S.J. Tucker
“Beetz in my Salad” by Big Bad Gina and S.J. Tucker
“Rootless” by S.J. Tucker
Related Links
Bandcamp.com - S.J. Tucker
Chaz Kemp
Big Bad Gina
Dryad Tea
Pandora Celtica
Related Videos
https://youtu.be/25RVEHgFofA
I love beets anyway, this song just makes them better!
https://youtu.be/02wicja4yek
5/31/2015 • 2 hours, 16 minutes, 24 seconds
DatC #057 - Getting Down with Damh the Bard
Hello and thank you once again for joining me down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we cross paths with today's most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers. I am your bewitching, bald headed, host Chris Orapello and tonight we meet with podcaster, Druid and Song writer Damh the Bard to talk about his new album Sabbat, his work as a musician, and his position as the official Pendragon for The Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids (OBOD). Damh and I have a fun discussion beings fans of each others' podcasts (DruidCast) and I of his music and work. There is a lot of laughing in this episode and in my excitement of speaking with him for the first time I got a little too close to my microphone at times which you may notice. All in all, this chat was a great time and I hope you enjoy it!
Featured Songs:
"Sabbat" by Damh the Bard
"On the Shoulders of Giants" by Damh the Bard
"Gibu" by Wardruna
"Only Human" by Damh the Bard
"Under a Beltane Sun" by Damh the Bard
"Vianna" by Eluveitie
"Time Machine" by Damh the Bard
"Iron from Stone" by Damh the Bard
"The Wicker Man" by Damh the Bard
"Green and Grey" by Damh the Bard
Related Links
Damh the Bard (website)
Buy Damh's Music!
DruidCast
The Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids
5/11/2015 • 2 hours, 8 minutes, 54 seconds
DatC #056 - Activism with Shauna Aura Knight
Hello and thank you once again for joining me down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we cross paths with today's most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers. I am your bewitching, bald, and no longer congested host Chris Orapello and tonight we meet with author, teacher, and blogger Shauna Aura Knight to discuss activism, how to get involved, and her experiences with being an activist. Shauna and I have a powerful and eye opening discussion as we put our ears to the ground about some hot button issues while I try extremely hard to not sound as congested as I was when I spoke with her. So, please forgive me for how I may sound in this episode. LOL
Featured Songs:
"The Wicker Man" by Damh the Bard
"Earth Warrior" by Omnia
“Stones" by Tara Rice
"Zeitgeist" by Faun
"King" by Eluveitie
"Stolen Season" by S.J. Tucker
Related Links
ShaunaAuraKnight.com
Shauna's Amazon.com Author Page
PantheaCon
Panganicon
ConVocation
Crystal Blanton
Covenant of the Goddess
Micro Agression via: Google
White Privilege, Explained In One Simple Comic
Pagan Activist: Shauna Aura Knight
Smartest Man in the World Podcast
"Bringing Race to the Table" (Immanion Press)
4/15/2015 • 1 hour, 50 minutes, 5 seconds
DatC #055 - Magical Beginnings at FaerieCon East 2014
Hello and thank you once again for joining me down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we cross paths with today's most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers. I am your bewitching bald headed host with the most Chris Orapello and tonight we return to the land of the fae for a panel I moderated that pertained to magical beginnings. This was my first time moderating a panel and I look forward to moderating future panels at FaerieCon. This particular panel featured past guest Byron Ballard as well as Ivo Dominguez Jr. and Michael Smith both being of The Assembly of the Sacred Wheel who is the same organization that put on the recent Sacred Spaces / Between the Worlds Convention that we've been talking about on this show recently. Thankfully we get to hear this fun and insightful panel of experienced practitioners as they share their knowledge and wisdom with us about their beginnings of working with magick and living a magical life.
Featured Songs:
"Sabbat" by Damh the Bard
"Kokopelli" by Omnia
"We are Shangri-La" by S.J. Tucker
"Gentle Storm” by Betsy Tinney
“Blaue Stunde" by Faun
"Iron from Stone" by Damh the Bard
Related Links
FaerieCon
Faerie Worlds
Mythic Worlds
My Village Witch
Ivo Dominguez Jr.
Michael Smith
Assembly of the Sacred Wheel
3/30/2015 • 1 hour, 31 minutes, 52 seconds
DatC #054 - Portals and Sharon Knight
Hello and thank you once again for joining me down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we cross paths with today's most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers. I am your bewitching bald headed host Chris Orapello and tonight, we meet with musician and past guest Sharon Knight to see what she has been up to, but more so to learn about Portals which is her next album that she is crowd funding for that will be featuring all of the artists featured in this episode. Sharon and I have a fun discussion about her up and coming album as well as touching upon her last tour, social media, what she has planned in the future. However, just when you think we have the low down on what she has going on, she hits us with a something really impressive that she has been getting involved with and I won't spoil that for you. You'll just have to hear it for yourself.
Featured Songs:
"Song of the Sea" by Sharon Knight
"Walpurgisnach" by Faun
"Glashtyn Shanty" by S.J. Tucker
"The Huntress” by Betsy Tinney (featuring S.J. Tucker)
"Black Snake" by Wendy Rule
“Hunter" by Pandemonaeon
"Dream of Mississippi" by S.J. Tucker
"Fire in the Head" by Sharon Knight
Related Links
Sharon Knight - Website
Sharon Knight - Tour Info
Portals Album Indiegogo Campaign
Virginia Highlands Festival 2015
HexenFest 2016
Faery Worlds
The Sacred Well
Serpent's Kiss
Solar Cross Temple
3/16/2015 • 1 hour, 21 minutes, 1 second
DatC #053 - Willful Bane: The Joy of Hex with Byron Ballard
Hello and thank you once again for joining me down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we cross paths with today's most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers. I am your bewitching bald headed host Chris Orapello and tonight, we meet with past guest Byron Ballard to elaborate on some of the things she brought up during our last discussion with her back in episode #50, specifically her workshop Willful Bane: The Joy of Hex. Byron and I are joined for the first time by my girlfriend Tara as we explore the issues surrounding the magickal and ethical practice of hexing as well as learn about the usefulness of marshmallows. This conversation is definitely a good time with some thought provoking content and a few laughs along the way.
Featured Songs:
“Stones" by Tara Rice
"Bells of Alluria" by Sharon Knight
"Rootless" by S.J. Tucker
"To The Morrigan" by Sencha the Vate
"Cernunnos" by Omnia
"Let The Wind Blow" by Wendy Rule
"The January Man" by Damh the Bard
"The Devil's Hole" by Swallows
Related Links
My Village Witch
Mother Grove Temple
Between the Worlds 2015
Pagan Unity Festival 2015
DatC #050 - Hillfolk's Hoodoo with Byron Ballard
3/1/2015 • 1 hour, 51 minutes, 31 seconds
DatC #052 - Career Crafting with Christopher Penczak
Hello and thank you once again for joining me down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we cross paths with today's most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers. I am your bewitching bald headed host Chris Orapello and tonight, we meet with witch, teacher, writer, and healing practitioner Christopher Penczak about his experience being a career witch as well as his thoughts on pagan leadership. We also talk about his publishing company Copper Cauldron Publishing and some of what went into forming the Temple of Witchcraft located in Salem, New Hampshire.
Featured Songs:
“She” by Tenpenny Joke
“Hymn to Pan” by Faun
“A Witchesbrew” by Omnia
“Witches Rune” by S.J. Tucker
“The Art of Magick” by Ralph Buckley
“Branwen's Lament” by Damh the Bard
“The Battle of Evermore” by Finvarra
“Long Black Curl” by Tuatha Dea
Related Links
Christopher Penczak.com
Temple of Witchcraft
Copper Cauldron Publishing
Foundations of the Temple (fundraiser book)
Between the Worlds / Sacred Spaces 2015
HexFest 2015
Ad Infinitum Adventures
2/14/2015 • 2 hours, 16 minutes, 12 seconds
DatC #051 - Sex, Sorcery, and Spirit with Jason Miller
Hello and thank you once again for joining me down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we cross paths with today's most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers. I am your bewitching bald headed host Chris Orapello and tonight, we meet with local New Jersey sorcerer and author Jason Miller to discuss his new book Sex, Sorcery, and Spirit: The Secrets of Erotic Magic. Jason and I have an honest discussion about sex magick, what it is, what it isn't, and we learn another reason why it's best to avoid touching someone else's magickal tools.
The songs featured in this episode were:
“Long Black Curl” by Tuatha Dea
“Wild Purple Irises” by Jessica Star
“Ereshkigal” by Wendy Rule
“Waking Panther” by Mama Gina
“Bridge of Birds” by The Familiars
“Love in the Forest” by Omnia
Related Links
Strategic Sorcery.net
Strategic Sorcery Blog
Between the Worlds 2015
Jason Miller on Facebook
2/7/2015 • 1 hour, 28 minutes, 6 seconds
DatC #050 - Hillfolk's Hoodoo with Byron Ballard at FaerieCon East 2014
Hello and thank you once again for joining me down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we cross paths with today's most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers. I am your bewitching, bald headed host Chris Orapello and tonight, we travel to the land of fae once again to attend FaerieCon East 2014 where I had the pleasure of meeting and interviewing beloved Appalachian Folk Magic practitioner and author Byron Ballard. Byron and I had a fun discussion about her book Staubs and Ditchwater: A Friendly and Useful Introduction to Hillfolk's Hoodoo as well as talk about her background, experiences, and thoughts in regards to practicing witchcraft and the art and drama of religious ritual in paganism today. Music featured in this episode:
"Saltatio Vita" by Omnia
"Song of the Witches" by S.J. Tucker
"Dark Eyes" by Betsy Tiney (featuring S.J. Tucker)
"No Harm" by Tara Rice
"Alesia" by Eluveitie
"Walpurgisnacht" by Faun
Links for Byron Ballard and her work:
Mother Grove Temple
My Village Witch Website
My Village Witch Blog - Witchery of the southern Highlands of old Appalachia
WitchesandPagans.com
Episode related link:
TI&TB - #032 - A Deed Without A Name
12/28/2014 • 1 hour, 15 minutes, 1 second
DatC #049 - House of Grimassi at FaerieCon East 2014
Hello and thank you once again for joining me down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we cross paths with today's most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers. Tonight, we travel to the land of fae to attend FaerieCon East 2014 where I had the unexpected pleasure of interviewing beloved author Raven Grimassi and Stephanie Taylor-Grimassi of House of Grimassi in front of a live audience.
Raven Grimassi is a Neo-Pagan scholar and award-winning author of over twelve books on Witchcraft, Wicca, and Neo-Paganism including Old World Witchcraft and Italian Witchraft. He is a member of the American Folklore Society and is co-founder and co-director of the Crossroads Fellowship, a modern Mystery School tradition. He lives in Springfield, MA. - Red Wheel / Weiser Online
Raven Grimassi is the author of over a dozen books dealing with witchcraft, some of which include his award winning book Wiccan Mysteries, Wiccan Magick, Hereditary Witchcraft, as well as his controversial book Ways of the Strega (re-released as Italian Witchcraft). We meet with Raven and Stephanie to learn about their work and to discuss Raven's recent book Grimoire of The Thorn-Blooded Witch which was a companion book to his 2011 release Old World Witchcraft.
For the first time in more than a decade, Grimassi introduces readers to a new system of witchcraft, one that draws upon the old ways and the old days. Rich with spells, rituals, and detailed illustrations of plant spirits, Grimassi dares readers to take the path that leads deep into the darkened woods—to traverse upon the Thorned Path.
Meet the entities that dwell within the organic memory of the earth, the devas, the deities, the magical life force that lies within the wooded glen. Learn to work with these spirits, and use their wisdom to transform your life and your practice. - Red Wheel / Weiser Online
The songs featured in this episode were:
“Mr. Raven” by MC Lars
“Gentle Storm” by Betsy Tinney
“Wild Purple Irises” by Jessica Star
“Ravens in the Library” by S.J. Tucker
“The Morrigan” by Omnia
“Blaue Stunde ” by Faun
“Sons and Daughters (of Robin Hood)” by Damh the Bard
11/24/2014 • 1 hour, 33 minutes, 47 seconds
DatC #048 - The Cunning Peter Paddon
Hello and thank you once again for joining me down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we cross paths with today's most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers. Tonight, we meet with The Crooked Path walking Cunningman himself Peter Paddon to discuss Traditional Witchcraft. Peter and I had a great conversation about witchcraft and his thoughts on deity, the mysteries, his work, and what he had planned in the future. Peter was very big on utilizing technology in his teaching and in making himself available to the rest of the community. However, the heartbreaking reality of this interview is that Peter passed away quietly in his sleep three days after I spoke with him. His family made an announcement online about his passing and an obituary for him was written by Heather Greene for The Wild Hunt. My heart goes out to him and his family during this time. Though he was in the middle of a short break from his pod/vidcast during the time of his passing we at least have this final interview with him as well as the legacy of his writings and shows to learn from and honor him by. As you will hear in my discussion with him, he was extremely honest and friendly and had a lot of knowledge and experience to share. He touched the lives of many, including myself, with his show and teachings and he will sorely be missed. Farewell Peter.
The music featured in this episode.
"Walpurgisnacht" by Faun
"Salad of Doom" by S.J. Tucker
"Fehu" by Wardruna
"No Harm" by Tara Rice
"The Winnowing" by Swallows
"Call Me Satan" by Omnia
"Fire in the Head" by Sharon Knight
"Imramma (A Soul Journey)" by Damh the Bard
Other links related to the episode.
Peter Paddon Memorial Fund
Peter Paddon, Author and Witch
Pendraig Publishing
Peter's books and items on Amazon.com
The Crooked Path Podcast
Peter's YouTube Channel
The Witch Lord a sculpture by Chris Orapello
The Witch Queen a sculpture by Chris Orapello
11/1/2014 • 1 hour, 40 minutes, 13 seconds
DatC #047 - The Witch's Eight Paths of Power with Lady Sable Aradia
Hello and thank you once again for joining me down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism. Where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we cross paths with today's most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers. Tonight, we meet with witch, High Priestess, blogger, and author Lady Sable Aradia to discuss her new book The Witch's Eight Paths to Power: A complete course in magick and witchcraft. We have a great, friendly, and open discussion as we go into her experiences with writing the book as well as delving into some of the more controversial aspects of her book, like ritual drug use, such as the incorporation of intoxicants and entheogens, and the heavy topic of sex in initiation within certain forms of traditional based Wicca.
"In his Book of Shadows, Gerald Gardner writes about the witch's Eightfold Way as a means of developing one's magickal abilities. In this contemporary take on the Eightfold Way, author, Witch, and High Priestess Lady Sable Aradia invites readers to explore the eight different components of evolution in witchcraft.
'Using exercises, meditations, and practical magick, any serious student of witchcraft will be able to master these eight paths and improve the effectiveness of their magickal work. From spells to sex rites to trance to flying ointments, Lady Sable has created a step-by-step guide to mastering the advanced arts of witchery." - The Witch's Eight Paths of Power (back cover).
The songs featured in this episode were:
“A Will of Its Own” by Wendy Rule
“A Fire Fit For a Queen” by Cernunnos Rising
“Faerie Revel” by Pandora Celtica
“Children of Lir” by Sora
“Earth Warrior” by Omnia
“Bridge of Birds” by The Familiars
Other Episode Related Links
Black Arts Foundry
Borealis Meditation
The Magick Jukebox
"Seekers and Guides" - Lady Sable Aradia on Patheos.com
Sarah Anne Lawless
Blog: Raise the Horns by Jason Mankey
The Gardnerian Book of Shadows - Sacred-Texts.com
9/13/2014 • 1 hour, 19 minutes, 42 seconds
DatC #046 - The Always Relevant Jason Pitzl-Waters
Hello and thank you for joining me down at the crossroads for some music, magick, and Paganism where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we cross paths with today's most influential Pagans, occultists, and deep thinkers. Tonight, we meet with the humble and always relevant founding editor of the Wild Hunt Blog Jason Pitzl-Waters to discuss his work, his very personal post titled The 3rd Degree: Exploitation and Initiation, as well as his Wild Hunt editorial Wagging the Dog, and we close with a glimpse into the upcoming event FaerieCon East which I look forward to attending. Jason and I have a great discussion and cover some heavy topics concerning the future of the Pagan community.
The songs featured in this episode were:
“Hymn to Pan” by Faun
“Dark Eyes” by Betsy Tinney
“Kelpie – The Cliffs of Moher” by Finvarra
“The Battle of Evermore” by Finvarra
“Hunter” by Pandemonaeon
“Grey the Day” by Betsy Tinney
“Glashtyn Shanty” by SJ Tucker
“Free” by Omnia
“Bring Mich Nach Haus” by Faun
“Rootless” by SJ Tucker
Related Links
Covenant of the Goddess
Faerieworlds
"Interview with Ivo Dominguez Jr. on The New Alexandrian Library Project" by Jason Pitzl Waters
Polytheist.com
"Who Are We Waiting For" by Jason Mankey
9/4/2014 • 2 hours, 11 minutes, 9 seconds
DatC #045 - Of Goddess With Erick DuPree
Hello and thank you for joining me Down at the Crossroads for some Music, Magick, and Paganism where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we cross paths with today's most influential Pagans, Occultists, and deep thinkers. Tonight, we meet with author and beloved Pagan blogger Erick DuPree who is seeking submissions for his anthology Finding the Masculine in Goddess' Spiral: Men in Ritual, Community and Service to the Goddess. Erick and I have a great discussion about his path, his view of the Goddess, and being a priest of the Goddess in today's world.
A popular blogger in the Pagan community, he is most known for Alone in Her Presence, a blog - turned book - turned column, now hosted on Patheos.com. As writer, he has contributed to numerous anthologies including surviving sexual trauma, race relations, and children's faith development. He is author of Alone In Her Presence: Meditations on the Goddess, and forthcoming books, The Hero Within: Reframing Masculinity with the Goddess and the anthology Finding Masculine in Goddess' Spiral: Men in Ritual, Community and Service to the Goddess, both by Immanion Press. - erickdupree.com, Meet Erick
The songs featured in this episode were:
“Ancient Ones” by Kellianna
“I walk with the Goddess” by Kellianna
“The Goddess” by Ralph Buckley
“The Witches Tree” by Cernunnos Rising
“Silent Moon” by Damh the Bard
“The Winnowing” by Swallows
Related Links
Assembly of the Sacred Wheel
New Alexandrian Library
Project Pagan Priest
7/20/2014 • 1 hour, 7 minutes, 48 seconds
DatC #044 - Why You Can't Worship Jesus Christ and Be Pagan with Sam Webster
Tonight we meet with former Patheos.com Columnist Sam Webster (now at The Wild Hunt) to talk about his controversial Patheos article "Why You Can't Worship Jesus Christ and Be Pagan," and other issues such as the superiority of Pagan theology, his concerns regarding the popular notion of building interfaith relationships, religious legitimacy, and his thoughts on what we need to be doing as Pagans to insure our religious future in the years to come.
Sam is also the President and Executive Director of the Pantheon Foundation, whose mission is to provide organizational support for the practice of Pagan religion and the fostering of Pagan Ministry. To study the history, promote the culture, and advance the social welfare of Pagans and the Pagan community.
Sam Webster, M. Div., Mage, hails from the Bay Area and has taught magick publicly since 1984. He graduated from Starr King School for the Ministry at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley in 1993. He is now a PhD candidate at the University of Bristol, UK, studying Pagan history under Prof. Ronald Hutton. He is an Adept of the Golden Dawn, a cofounder of the Chthonic-Ouranian Templar order, and an initiate of Wiccan, Druidic, Buddhist, Hindu and Masonic traditions. His work has been published in a number of journals such as Green Egg and Gnosis, and 2010 saw his first book Tantric Thelema, establishing the publishing house Concrescent Press. He authors two blogs, Arkadian Anvil and Pagan Restoration . In 2001 he founded the Open Source Order of the Golden Dawn, and serves the Pagan community principally as a priest of Hermes. - SamWebsterMage.com
The songs featured in this episode were:
“Hunter” by Pandemonaeon
“To The Morrigan” by Sencha the Vate
“Call Me Satan” by Omnia
“Alesia” by Eluveitie
“A Poison Tree” by Finvarra
“Glashtyn Shanty” by SJ Tucker
“Green and Gray” by Damh the Bard
“Pagan Ways” by Damh the Bard
6/15/2014 • 1 hour, 45 minutes, 22 seconds
DatC #043 - Modern Witch, Devin Hunter
Tonight, we have a great candid and honest discussion with Modern Witch Podcast host Devin Hunter. I spoke with Devin back in March about the state of the community. This is one conversation that may turn some heads and incite some feedback. We discuss current issues such as British Traditional Wicca and his issues with it as a gay man, Wiccanate Privilege, the LGBT Pagan community and what it may not be doing, and finally where he thinks the pagan community should be heading in the future. We also get to hear about his up coming projects and his online witchcraft academy starting in June called Black Rose Witchcraft and more, blessed be!
The songs featured in this episode are:
“Fehu” Wardruna
“Soul Journey” by Cernunnos Rising
“Earth Warrior” by Omnia
“Berserker” by Leslie Fish
“Thousandfold” by Eluveitie
“Wild Rose” by Faun
"Snake Star Song" by SJ Tucker
“Waking Panther” by Mama Gina
5/21/2014 • 1 hour, 56 minutes, 45 seconds
DatC #042 - Living A Life Of Magic
Hello and thank you once again for joining me Down at the Crossroads where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we cross paths with today's most influential Pagans, Occultists, and deep thinkers. I am your lovable, hug-able host Chris Orapello and tonight, we meet with the loving and enchanting Australian visionary songstress Wendy Rule to discuss her recent escapades and activities, her thoughts on the Pagan community, and her popular online course Living a Life of Magic which will be entering into its third year. All this and more, enjoy!
Renowned Pagan Visionary Songstress Wendy Rule and her partner Timothy Van Diest present an exciting 13 month online journey through the year’s Lunar cycles. Deepen your connection with Self, Nature, Community, and Spirit and discover the unique Magic within you. Together we will create a focused and vibrant community of fellow spiritual journeyers, which will enable us to share our knowledge, exchange ideas, and create lasting connections.
The songs featured in this episode were:
"My Sister the Moon" by Wendy Rule
"The Ash Grove" by Kellianna featuring Wendy Rule
"Black Snake" by Wendy Rule
"A Witches' Brew" by Omnia
"Kelpie - The Cliffs of Moher" by Finvarra
"Bewitched" by Sharon Knight
"The Winnowing" by Swallows
"Glashtyn Shanty" by SJ Tucker
"A Will of its Own" by Wendy Rule
3/2/2014 • 1 hour, 21 minutes, 9 seconds
DatC #041 - Pagan Leadership with Shauna Aura Knight
Hello and thank you for joining me Down at the Crossroads where witches gather for the sabbath, offerings are made, pacts are signed for musical fame and we cross paths with today's most influential Pagans, Occultists, and deep thinkers. I am your host with the most Chris Orapello and tonight, we meet with author and teacher Shauna Aura Knight to discuss problems and leadership in the Pagan community and her workshops at this year's PantheaCon. Are you a good leader? Are you sure? Well, regardless, we all can learn something about being better at what we do because being better only helps us and our community to prosper and grow.
"An artist, writer, leader, teacher, event organizer, environmental activist, and spiritual seeker, Shauna travels nationally offering intensive education in the transformative arts of ritual, community leadership, and spiritual growth." - shaunaaura.wordpress.com
The songs featured in this episode were:
“Brighid” by Damh the Bard
“Proof of Life” by Sora
“Book of Shadows” by Ralph Buckley
“Punagra” by Faun
“Moon” by Omnia
“Fire in the Head” by Sharon Knight
“Black Snake” by Wendy Rule
“Stand Up” by Omnia
2/8/2014 • 1 hour, 45 minutes, 4 seconds
DatC #040 - Green Wizardry with John Michael Greer
Hello and thank you for joining me Down at the Crossroads where we turn the pagan community on its head to watch it flail about like a beetle on its back.. Tonight, we are joined once again by author and Grand Archdruid of the Ancient Order of Druids in America, John Michael Greer to discuss his new book Green Wizardry: Conservation, Solar Power, Organic Gardening, and other Hands-On Skills from the Appropriate Tech Toolkit and boy do we talk. This is one heavy in your face conversation where we also discuss the Pagan community and where it may be heading. You might be surprised!
The songs featured in this episode were:
“Alesia” by Eluveitie
“Zeitgeist” by Faun
“Creator Destroyer” by Wendy Rule
“Dimna Juda” by Finvarra
“We are Shangri-La” by SJ Tucker
“Free” by Omnia
“It's Not Easy Being Green” by MC Lars
“Greensleeves” by Kellianna
“I don't speak human” by Omnia
“Sons and Daughters of Robin Hood” by Damh the Bard
1/13/2014 • 2 hours, 19 minutes, 7 seconds
DatC #039 - Sarah Anne Lawless
Thank you for joining me Down at the Crossroads where we have the conversations that the pagan community needs to have. Because as you know, we are, "Pagan culture for the Seasoned Pagan." Tonight, we meet with beloved occult artist, author, blogger, and witch Sarah Anne Lawless who is known for her artwork and her long-time running blog which can now be found at her website sarahannelawless.com.
A professional artist, writer, and witch, Sarah’s work has been published in various books, magazines, and online in The Cauldron, Hex Magazine, Witches & Pagans, Witchvox, Serpent Songs, and Hoofprints in the Wildwood. She is a carver, painter, and illustrator working in the mediums of bone, wood, ink and paint creating original artwork, talismans, and ritual tools. Sarah is an animist, initiated witch, and wortcunner with a love of otherworldly beauty, folklore, mythology, poisonous plants, wildcrafting, wild places, and bones. - Bio, sarahannelawless.com
Sarah and I discuss her path, the touchy issue of mental illness in the Pagan community, finding a teacher, as well as her recent projects, like her involvement in the Pagan Bundle, and publications like her appearance in Scarlet Imprints latest anthology of witchcraft essays titled "Serpent Song." And along with some great discussion we also get to hear music by Omnia, Sharon Knight and T. Thorn Coyle, Eluveitie, SJ Tucker, and Swallows. Enjoy!
11/17/2013 • 1 hour, 26 minutes, 29 seconds
DatC #038 - Sharon Knight Neofolk Romantique
Tonight, we meet with Celtic Folk Rocker Sharon Knight Down at the Crossroads to discuss her new album Neofolk Romantique of which we hear some songs from. Sharon and I even had a great discussion about some Pagan community issues and the development of modern Pagan culture.
San Francisco songstress Sharon Knight is a Celtic folk singer in leather armbands. She plays octave mandolin as if it were an electric guitar and sings as though she means to summon a storm. Her penchant for combining fierce and gutsy bravado with ethereal beauty, a hearty dose of fantastical lyrics, and an obvious love of storytelling has inspired her own musical style, “Neofolk Romantique”. - www.sharonknight.net
And along with hearing some music by Sharon we also get to hear some great songs by Finvarra, Sora, and S.J. Tucker. All this and more in our latest gathering down at the crossroads. Enjoy!
11/2/2013 • 1 hour, 27 minutes, 19 seconds
DatC #037 - Black Snake Rules
In this episode, we meet with passionate and empowering, Australian Visionary Songstress Wendy Rule and discuss her upcoming album titled Black Snake as well as exclusively hear several new tracks from it. We also discuss her making of the album and get to hear about her future escapades with recent show guest Kellianna down in Australia where they will be headlining the Australian Goddess Conference as well as touring the country over the next few weeks. Be sure to support Wendy through her Pozible fundraiser and get your copy of her album Black Snake before the official release of it in November. Make your friends jealous. Trust me, it's fun.
Along with hearing some new and some treasured music by Wendy, during the episode we also get to hear songs by Faun, The Familiars, and Kellianna.
10/13/2013 • 1 hour, 18 minutes, 39 seconds
DatC #036 - Traditions with Kellianna
We mix tradition and eclecticism with well known and beloved singer, songwriter, and chantress Kellianna and we get to hear some great musical renditions from her recent album titled Traditions which is a collection of Traditional songs featuring duets with Wendy Rule, Jenna Greene, and Kenny Klein. Be sure to also check out her live DVD available on her website.
"Kellianna is an American pagan artist internationally performing song and chant inspired by myth, magic, sacred places and ancient times. With guitar and vocals she brings to life the stories and sagas of the Gods and Goddesses. With Native American frame drum and chant she honors the Earth and the Ancestors via primal drumming and powerful vocals." (Kellianna.com)
Kellianna has appeared as a performer and teacher at the Earth Warriors Festival in Clarksville, Ohio and she will also be appearing at Australian Goddess Conference that will be happening Friday, October 18-20 2013 of which she will then being touring Australia with past show guest Wendy Rule. Some people have all the fun! Enjoy.
Featured Artists:
Kellianna
Wendy Rule
Sharon Knight
9/29/2013 • 1 hour, 26 minutes, 11 seconds
DatC #035 - The Geek Creation Show with Jeff Mach
In this episode, we get a little nerd-core as we cross paths with the eventful geek, Druid, and Pagan Jeff Mach who is behind such successful east coast gatherings as The Steampunk World's Fair, The Wicked Renaissance Fair, and his latest cultural homage to geekdom with the Geek Creation Show! I learned about Jeff and his work from an interview done by Heather Greene featured on the Wild Hunt Blog. Along with his events, we also discuss the crossover that often exists between geek culture and Paganism and if I could, every download of this episode would come with it's own slice of bacon unless of course you don't eat bacon, in which case I would just recommend that you pass the bacon onto someone who does.
Featured Artists:
Sharon Knight
MC Lars
S.J. Tucker
Leslie Fish
Sora
Damh the Bard
9/13/2013 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 56 seconds
DatC #034 - The Wonders of S.J. Tucker
In this episode of Down At The Crossroads, we cross paths with beloved Pixie Pirate Mythpunk Folk Rocker S.J. Tucker to talk about the recent soundtrack she did for the independent film Ember Days as well as discuss her upcoming new album Wonders of which we will be exclusively premiering several songs from in this episode. Since we will be speaking about two separate albums by S.J. all the music featured in the episode is by her and available for purchase through her website. If you live in the Nashville, TN area see her play live on August 31st at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Nashville. Besides being my first time speaking with S.J. Tucker, which I was thrilled about, this is also the first time in the new format where we take the opportunity to discuss and reflect upon the Pagan community and it's great to hear what she had to say about it.
The featured songs include:
"Salad of Doom" from her album, Mischief
"We Were Angels Once (Wake The Fallen)" from the Ember Days Soundtrack
"We Are Shangri-La (Emerald City Mix)" from the Ember Days Soundtrack
"To My Valentine" from her album, Mischief
"Song of the Witches" from her upcoming album, Wonders*
"Wonders" from her upcoming album, Wonders*
"For Iago" from her upcoming album, Wonders*
"Rootless" from the Rootless single
Links:
Dryadtea.com
Summerland Grove Pagan Church
8/24/2013 • 1 hour, 42 minutes, 31 seconds
DatC #033 - Apocalypse Not with John Michael Greer
In this episode of Down At The Crossroads, we cross paths with John Michael Greer who is the Grand Archdruid of the Ancient Order of Druids in America and the author of more than twenty books on a wide range of subjects, including The Long Descent: A User's Guide to the End of the Industrial Age, The Ecotechnic Future: Exploring a Post-Peak World, The Wealth of Nature: Economics As If Survival Mattered, and Apocalypse Not: Everything You Know About 2012, Nostradamus, And The Rapture is Wrong. And if you like what you heard in the interview, be sure to checkout his blog The Archdruid Report today!
Featured Artists:
The Familiars
Tenpenny Joke
Swallows
S.J. Tucker
Faun
Robin Hellier
8/22/2013 • 1 hour, 27 minutes, 1 second
DatC Podcast Promo
2014 Promo for Down at the CrossroadsHosted by Christopher OrapelloMusic Credits: “Darkness in the Light” by More Human Than Human and “Out of Darkness” by Alain GalarneauWebsite: www.infinite-beyond.com
8/20/2013 • 1 minute, 1 second
Podcast Announcement
A formal announcement about the show format change as well as the show name and goal. As of August 2013 The Infinite and the Beyond will become the show Down At The Crossroads. Here is a blurb about it:
Down at the Crossroads features one on one interviews and discussions with today’s most influential Pagan artists, authors, musicians, teachers, leaders, bloggers, podcasters, and more! The conversations are sure to be inspiring, insightful, entertaining, and always engaging. We will attempt to push the community forward and take devil’s advocate to a whole new level. Exploring topics that will turn the Pagan community on its head in an attempt to gain a new perspective on life, all while hearing some great music by today’s greatest Pagan and Pagan inspired musicians and bands. Down at the Crossroads is where today’s Paganism crosses paths with the world!
The formal annoucement for this transition can be found in its entirety on the blog at http://www.infinite-beyond.com/titb-podcasting-announcement/ I look forward to meeting you down at the crossroads! Blessed be!
8/17/2013 • 3 minutes, 48 seconds
TI&TB #032 - A Deed Without A Name
In the latest episode of The Infinite and the Beyond, we speak with Australian author and teacher, Lee Morgan about her new book A Deed Without A Name: Unearthing the Legacy of Traditional Witchcraft. Lee identifies as a pagan animist – witch and runs a blog titled My Craft and Sullen Art where she identifies herself as a Traditional Witch, non traditional dichotomy-smasher, line-blurrer, bone-singer, folk-healer, head-bender, and sometimes poet.
We hear some awesome music by Swallows from their latest album, “Witching and Divining.” Swallows is an Americana/rock band from Minneapolis, Minnesota who has recently released their second full-length album, the roots-oriented Witching & Divining. Since its release, Witching & Divining has received strong media support in the Twin Cities and was in rotation on over 160 college and public radio stations throughout the U.S. and Canada, including several weeks of charting in the CMJ and Earshot! top 30 on 15 stations.
In A Corner in the Occult, we learn about Scottish witch Isobel Gowdie who was tried for witchcraft back in the 17th century. One of most of the witchcraft confessions obtained in trials from the past centuries, Isobel Gowdie's, a flaming red haired woman from Auldearn, Scotland, is said to be the most elaborate and compelling and offers a unique look at what Scottish Witchcraft may have been like.
And in The Essence of Magick Series, we consider the values and issues surrounding authenticity. The desire for truth and the concern for authenticity in one's spiritual and religious practice, has a tendency to even filter into one's personal magickal practice. Which begs the question, what does it mean for one's magick to be considered as authentic? Does this issue refer to history and the accuracy of a practice or does it refer to the level of sincerity behind the act? All this an more in this episode of The Infinite and the Beyond. Enjoy!
6/16/2013 • 1 hour, 51 minutes, 10 seconds
TI&TB #031 - Financial Sorcery
In the latest episode of The Infinite and the Beyond, we speak with author, teacher, and sorcerer Jason Miller about his work and his new book Financial Sorcery, magical strategies to create real and lasting wealth. In a Corner in the Occult we learn about the often over looked Illustrator of the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot, Pamela Colman Smith. We see who won a copy of Leslie Fish's album “Avalon is Risen” that was featured back in Episode #029. In the Essence of Magick, we learn about “symbols” and what role they play in the work of the magickal practitioner. And as a treat we get to hear some new music by Damh the Bard from his recent album “Antlered Crown and Standing Stone.” - Blessed Be!
Links: Jason Miller, South Jersey Pagan Pride Day, Wicca 101, Good Vibrations, Between the Worlds, Leslie Fish, Behutet Magazine
Featured Artist: Damh the Bard (online store)
Credits: George Wood, Theory in Motion, Alexandre Falcao, Linda Holzer, Persian Paladin, Music Alley
4/27/2013 • 1 hour, 35 minutes, 8 seconds
TI&TB #030 - The Inspiring Wendy Rule
In this episode we speak with Australian visionary songstress Wendy Rule and have a very enjoyable time with her as we discuss her work; her online course Living a Life of Magick; hanging out with the fae; her future album and her current US tour. All while being completely captivated by her music which plays throughout the episode. In A Corner in the Occult, we learn about the controversial, “King of the Witches,” Alex Sanders and in the spirit of creativity we contemplate the ideas surrounding the Awen in The Essence of Magic. All this and more in this haunting and inspiring episode with the lovely Wendy Rule!
Links: Wendy Rule, Living a Life of Magick, PantheaCon, Alex and Maxine Sanders marriage film
Featured Artist: Wendy Rule on CDBaby
Background Music: George Wood, Linda Holzer, Persian Paladin
Credits: Music Alley
Episode Script
2/11/2013 • 1 hour, 34 minutes, 29 seconds
TI&TB #029 - The Necronomicon Mythos
In this episode we discuss The Necronomicon Mythos with author Donald Tyson who in the last several years has added four significant texts to the magickal legacy and reality of the Necronomicon, with his own copy of “The Necronomicon,” his nozel “Alhazred,” the “Grimoire of the Necronomicon,” and his workbook “The 13 Gates of the Necronomicon” all released by Llewellyn Publications believe it or not? In A Corner in the Occult we learn about the life of beloved weird fiction author H. P. Lovecraft. We explore some fun and heartfelt music by our featured artist Leslie Fish from her album “Avalon Is Risen.” I announce a contest that will conclude in episode #31 so checkout the announcement later in this episode to hear all the details. And In the Essence of Magick, we discuss Magickal Paradigms. All this and more in this installment of The Infinite and the Beyond!
Links: Donald Tyson, PaganFM!, FaerieCon, Between The Worlds Interfaith Conference, Backpacking Through The Universe
Music: George Wood, The SpookShow, Alexandre Falcao, Linda Holzer, Persian Paladin
Feature Artist: Leslie Fish
1/24/2013 • 1 hour, 37 minutes, 10 seconds
TI&TB #028 - O.T.O. / AC 2012
It's election time! Are you a voter? Are you voting? Well, before you decide, you should explore your options by checking out our interview with Joseph Thiebes about the Ordo Templi Orientis, his Aleister Crowley 2012 presidential campaign, and the ideas regarding authority You just might change your mind!
In A Corner in the Occult we learn about Major Grady Louis McMurtry aka: Hymenaeus Alpha and find out how important he was to the O.T.O. Later in the show we discuss Sympathetic Magick and how it effects our everyday lives as we look into The Essence of Magick. And we get to hear some great music by our featured artist Ralph Buckley. All this and more, enjoy!
Links: Joseph Thiebes, Speech in the Silence, O.T.O., EGC, AC 2012, Life After Service.
Featured Artist: Ralph Buckley.
Background Music: George Wood, Nada Surf, Linda Holzer, Alexander Falcao, Persian Paladin.
Credits: Podsafe Audio, Music Alley.
10/27/2012 • 2 hours, 7 minutes, 11 seconds
TI&TB #027 - Free Will, Magick, and Deity
In this episode we explore magick and creativity as we speak with the mysterious electronic music composer Alka who was kind of enough to come on the show and share his music with us which is featured throughout the episode. In A Corner in the Occult we learn about famous, mystic, poet, artist, and engraver William Blake. Highly influential to artists and occultists, Blake has been a focus for scholars since his death as he continues to fascinate and inspire new generations. We learn about the phrase, “So Mote It Be” in the Essence of Magick. Have you ever considered the phrase itself and what exactly it implies as a practitioner of magick? Find out in this episode! Also during the show, I read listener email, we hear a great track by Donna Lewis and to close we revisit the ideas of Free Will, Magick, and Deity. Do you have free will in regards to your personal religious theology? If so, what does this mean in how you view deity? Find out this and more in this electronic episode!
Links: Alka Blog, Hands of Change, William Blake Tarot, Hermetic Library Anthology Vol 1,
Music: George Wood, Donna Lewis, Adam Zampino, G, Alexandre Falcao,
Linda Holzer, Persian Paladin
Featured Music: Alka, Donna Lewis
Free File: So Mote It Be! (mp3)
Credits: Music Alley
7/24/2012 • 1 hour, 39 minutes, 43 seconds
TI&TB #026 - Gods and Aliens
In this episode we discuss gods and aliens and the ideas surrounding Ancient Astronaut Theory. Do you believe in extra-terrestrials? Do you think they visited and helped ancient human civilizations? Are you a supporter of Ancient Astronaut Theory? If your answer is a resounding YES, then this episode is not for you, because I take a look into some of the propositions made by Ancient Astronaut Theorists and offer my thoughts on the matter which may not jive with you and your alien putty, but do not worry there is always Stonehenge!
Later in the episode, I discuss the only alien abduction case I have helped with as a paranormal investigator. Hear the details as I share my diagnosis and methods of addressing the issue in my effort to help a friend. In A Corner in the Occult we learn about Lam, Aleister Crowley’s favorite martian, as well as the Typhonian Order which focuses on working and communication with extra-terrestrial entities, The Great Old Ones, as well as some of the darker aspects of metaphysics.
We hear a track from our featured artist and future guest Alka, an electronic music composer who incorporates magick, occultism, and estoric practices and systems into his music making process. We discuss evocation in the Essence of Magick. I read listener email and talk about James Randi. We see which two lucky listeners won copies of Etched Offerings, and to close we ponder the origin of deity. This episode is really out of this world!
Links: Pagan Podcast Spotlight by Tim Titus, The Juggler, Ancient Aliens, LegendaryTimes.com, SitchinIsWrong.com, Skeptoid.com, Typhonian Order, Alan Chapman, Richard Dawkins, James Randi, DebunkingSkeptics.com, Myth of the Million Dollar Challenge, Patheos: God Spots in the Brain, Scientific American: How Critical Thinkers Lose Their Faith in God, A Bigger World Podcast, The Pagan Rapport, Title Goes Here:, Proud Pagan Podcasters,
Music: George Wood, Guy David, Reflected Illusions, G, Alexandre Falcao, Linda Holzer, Persian Paladin,
Promos: Lamyka's Wiccan Podcast, The Wigglian Way, Baphmetis Meditation,
Featured Music: Alka, Ash Verjee,
Credits: PodsafeAudio, Podsafe Music Network,
Show Script (pdf)
5/15/2012 • 1 hour, 35 minutes, 54 seconds
TI&TB #025 - Magical Identity
In this episode we have a revealing and compelling conversation with occult author Taylor Ellwood about his new book Magical Identity. How can we apply magic in relation to our identity and how does our identity relate to the practice of magick? In A Corner in the Occult, we learn about 20th century Hermetic teacher Franz Bardon. During his unusual life, the three books he published during his life, Initiation into Hermetics, The Practice of Magical Evocation and The Key to the True Qabbalah are said to be a complete course in magick. In The Essence of Magick we discuss magickal names. Found in many traditions and religions of the world, is the practice of taking on a new name. What is the essence of the magical name in relation to magick and the practitioner? Come and explore this topic with us. I also read listener email and have an announcement to make about the future of the podcast. We also have the pleasure of hearing the new song "Sirens" from our featured artist Olga Nunes, whose new album LAMP will be released on May 15th. All this and more in this latest installment of The Infinite and the Beyond!
Links: Eclectic Artisans, Taylor Ellwood, Magical Identity, Immanion Press,
Music: George Wood, Josh Woodward, Kendra Springer, Alexandre Falcao, Linda Holzer, Persian Paladin,
Featured Music: Olga Nunes,
Promos: Kakophonos, Between the Earth and Stars, The Witches View Podcast,
Credits: PodsafeAudio, Podsafe Music Network,
Show Script (pdf)
3/17/2012 • 1 hour, 46 minutes, 19 seconds
TI&TB #024 - Between Oraia and Helene
In this episode we speak with fellow podcaster Oraia Helene from Between the Earth and Stars and talk about her recent changes with her name, doing her shows, how she balances her scientific side with her magickal side, and to close we discuss her work as a writer and podcaster and have a great time while doing it. We also speak with Inanna Gabriel from Misanthrope Press regarding the new pagan story anthology Etched Offerings Voices from the Cauldron of Story. In A Corner in the Occult, we learn about Scientist, Thelemite and 20th century Occultist Jack Parsons who, interestingly enough, has a crater on the moon named after him. Listen and found out why! And later in the show we discuss the Powers of the Sphinx in The Essence of Magick. To know, to dare, to will, to keep silent, and to go are crucial to the developing student of mysticism. Also in the episode we feature a great song from the Philadelphia band Espers an emerging indie band and we close the show with a special musical holiday treat from SCHOLAR the occultist and rapper. All this and more in this delightful episode!
Links: Garden State Pagan Alliance, Temple of the Earth and Stars, Misanthrope Press, Title Goes Here:, Inanna Gabriel, Proud Pagan Podcasters,
Music: George Wood, More Human Than Human, Ramon Goose, Alexandre Falcao, Linda Holzer, Persian Paladin,
Promos: Between the Earth and Stars, Baphmetis Meditation,
Featured Music: Espers, SCHOLAR,
Credits: PodsafeAudio, Podsafe Music Network,
Show Script (pdf)
12/22/2011 • 2 hours, 5 minutes, 48 seconds
TI&TB #023 - The Kybalion with Philip Deslippe
In this episode we look into the history of The Kybalion with author Philip Deslippe, who wrote the extensive introduction for the newly released book The Kybalion, The Definitive Edition. Seemingly shrouded in mystery, The Kybalion has been a popular text for the last one hundred years that and has been a big influence in many people’s lives. In the early episodes of this podcast we went through The Kybalion and the seven hermetic laws that it discusses. In our conversation with Philip Deslippe we learn about some of his recent findings in regards to the text and its author William Walker Atkinson and we wrap up our discussion with Atkinson’s lost book The Seven Cosmic Laws just now appearing in print. In A Corner in the Occult we look into famous American occultist, Tarot expert, and author Paul Foster Case. Not only was Case an initiate of the famous Alpha et Omega and even a Freemason, but he was also the founder of the Builders of the Adytum an Order following in the tradition of the Western Esoteric Tradition which still exists to this day. Later in the show we discuss the magickal altar in The Essence of Magick, read some listener email and embrace some wonderful music by featured artist Jasmine Commerce. All this and more in this great informative episode!
Backround Music - George Wood, Fakesensations, Linda Holzer, Alexandre Falcao, Persian Paladin,
Feature Musical Artist - Jasmine Commerce,
Links - Philip Deslippe, The Kybalion The Definitive Edition, South Jersey Pagan Pride, The Witches' Ball, Haunted Halloween Weekend with Al Rauber, Builders of the Adytum, Proud Pagan Podcasters,
Promos - Lamyka's WIccan Podcast, Pennies in the Well, Media Astra Ac Terra,
Credits - Podsafe Audio, Music Alley,
Show Script
10/29/2011 • 1 hour, 55 minutes, 42 seconds
TI&TB #022 - Life and Living
In this episode we talk about late Llewellyn author Scott Cunningham in A Corner in the Occult. Many Pagans and or Wiccans often find Scott’s books on their journey as Pagans. Many find his books on magick and religion uplifting and at times pertinent to their growing views on life and existence. We also look into the idea of human flourishing and happiness and how to create it in one’s life. Are you happy? Are you flourishing? How would you define and list your values and virtues? Would you say that they are serving you and your life beneficially? Learn about virtue and Eudaimonia and how your life lives up to the teachings of Aristotle and other philosophers. See how some of the new virtue systems found in modern Paganism stand in comparison to a tried and true system which comes from Plato as we find an elementary way to update it for modern use. Later in the show, I read listener email and we look at the history of the five elements in The Essence of Magick. Find out where the five elements of western occultism come from and how they came to be used in ritual magick. And to close we discuss suicide, assisted suicide and how they exist in relation to Paganism. Have you ever had someone in your life kill themselves? Have you ever known someone who died of a terminal, debilitating, and/or painful illness? How do the issues associated with suicide and assisted suicide relate to Paganism?
Links: Pagan Values Blogging Month, South Jersey Pagan Pride Day, Atlantic University, AU Parapsychology & Consciousness Conference Brochure, Akasha Temple Live, Haunted Halloween Weekend with Al Rauber, Hotel Macomber, Divine Community, Your Life Your Voice Hotline, American Association of Suicidology, American Federation for Suicide Prevention, Suicide Awareness Voices of Education, World Health Organization, ,Title Goes Here:, Misanthrope Press, Proud Pagan Podcasters,
Music: George Wood, Working Girls, Alexandre Falcao, Linda Holzer, The Joy of Living, Persian Paladin,
Promos: Druidcast,
Credits: PodsafeAudio, Podsafe Music Network,
Show Script (pdf)
9/24/2011 • 1 hour, 36 minutes, 57 seconds
TI&TB #021 - Conspiracies and World Peace
In this episode we look into the popular issues with conspiracy theories and uncover the truth behind what they are. Is the government really spying us? Do conspiracy theories actually reveal anything significant or is there something deeper and more personal behind their existence in the world? In A Corner in the Occult we visit early 20th century Germany and discuss the Nazis and the issues pertaining to their possible involvement with occultism. Many people like to attribute their rise to power and the events pertaining to the Second World War to their involvement in the occult arts and even demonic influence. We also read some listener email and in The Essence of Magick we talk about visualization and astral projection. Learn why visualization is so important to the magickal arts and learn how to astral project in this episode's installment of this great and informative series! And to close, we finish the episode with a look into the ever present concern and pursuit for world peace. Take a new perspective on issues surrounding world peace and why it may not be the easiest thing to accomplish after all despite what some people say.
Links: Pagan Values Blogject, South Jersey Pagan Pride, Nazis: The Occult Conspiracy, College Humor Originals: Nazi Zombies, Dead Snow Trailer, Outpost Trailer, Proud Pagan Podcasters,
Music: George Wood, Stereophonic Space Sound Unlimited, Kevin Wood, Alexandre Falcao, Linda Holzer, Persian Paladin,
Promos: Pennies in the Well, Magick and Mundane, The Witches View Podcast, Media Astra Ac Terra,
Featured Music: Grace Buford,
Credits: PodsafeAudio, Podsafe Music Network,
Show Script (pdf)
6/26/2011 • 1 hour, 21 minutes, 36 seconds
TI&TB #020 - Reiki, Yoga, and Wellness
In this episode we go on location to talk about Reiki and Yoga with Janet Watkins from Live in Joy Yoga and Wellness in Audubon, NJ. Janet shares with us some of her experiences and insights as a registered Yoga instructor and Reiki Master. We learn about Russian healer, prophet, and monk Grigori Rasputin in A Corner in the Occult. Rasputin was the adviser to the Russian royal family during the turn of the 20th century which was an unusual position of power for someone who wasn’t born of Russian Nobility and it would be this position that would eventually lead to his elaborate and trial some death in 1916. He is often argued by some to have contributed greatly to the fall of the Romanov Dynasty in 1917, which was the last dynasty to rule over Russian. We speak with local musician Robin Renee who describes herself as being a Mantra-Pop recording artist, a wayward poet, an obsessive fangirl, and writes from the intersection of music, eros, and the Divine. We also feature several of her songs in during the show, discuss the ideas surrounding energy in The Essence of Magick, read some listener email, listen to some great music, and have joyful and insightful time doing it.
Links: Live in Joy Yoga and Wellness, International Pagan Coming Out Day, Pagan Podkin Super Moot 2011, Peter Dybing, Pagan Japan Relief Project, The Dream Between, Coffee-Works (VTC), Title Goes Here:, Proud Pagan Podcasters,
Music: George Wood, Robin Renee, The-Watcher, Alexandre Falcao, Linda Holzer, Persian Paladin,
Featured Music: Amy Rigby, Robin Renee,
Promos: Pennies in the Well, Borealis Meditation,
Credits: PodsafeAudio, Podsafe Music Network,
Show Script (pdf)
4/12/2011 • 2 hours, 5 minutes, 41 seconds
TI&TB #019 - Dissecting Wicca
In this episode we dissect and learn about the contemporary pagan religion known of as Wicca. We speculate about some of its primary roots and influences and go into more depth than most books on subject ever seem to go. Find out what makes Wicca what it is and what makes a Wiccan a Wiccan in this break down of the religion of Wicca. We learn about Doreen Valiente in this episode's edition of A Corner in the Occult. The famed Mother of Modern Witchcraft played a crucial role in the existence and development of Wicca throughout the entirety of the twentieth century. Doreen was one of Gerald Gardner's early High Priestesses and later authored of several well respected texts on witchcraft and became the Patron of the Center for Pagan Studies in 1995. In the Essence of Magick we look into the idea, practice, and significance of ritual initiation and the role it plays in groups and in religions such as Wicca. We even discuss the idea behind the popular modern Wiccan practice of self-initiation and looking into the reality and practicality of such a ceremony. I also read some listener messages and to close we discuss advanced Wicca and ways in which one can enrich their religious experience.
Links: Doreen Valiente, Pagan Federation, Pantheon Blog: Wicca Series, Title Goes Here:, Misanthrope Press, Proud Pagan Podcasters,
Music: George Wood, Juliana Hatfield, Lindie Lila, Alexandre Falcao, Linda Holzer, Persian Paladin,
Promos: New World Witchery, The Scotchcast, Media Astra Ac Terra, Pagan FM!, The Wigglian Way, Pagan Centered Podcast
Credits: PodsafeAudio, Podsafe Music Network,
Show Script (pdf)
2/13/2011 • 1 hour, 30 minutes, 49 seconds
TI&TB #018 - Low Magick
In the latest episode of The Infinite and the Beyond, we welcome back author Lon Milo DuQuette and talk about the rerelease of his Tarot of Ceremonial Magick and his new book Low Magick: It’s all in your head… You just have no idea how big your head is and we touch upon some of what he mentions in it; like his discomfort with the ideas of low and high magick, his concept of The Great G, pop goes Ganesha, and the celebrating of Christmas as a non-Christian.
We discuss my appearance on Beyond the Threshold with Gary Blackheart that occurred back in November. Gary took me beyond the threshold and we discussed some touchy and often difficult issues that I have mentioned in the past on this podcast. I elaborate on my crisis of faith and come to some refreshing conclusions.
In A Corner in the Occult we learn about The Book of the Sacred Magic of Abramelin the Mage and ceremonial goal of one attaining Knowledge and Conversation with their Holy Guardian Angel. The most familiar edition of the book was translated in 1900 by Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers for incorporation into the curriculum of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. The book reveals a ritual procedure that becomes a pinnacle goal for ceremonial magickians of the western esoteric tradition.
Later we talk about “words of power” in the Essence of Magick series and look into language, words, and meaning as well as the roles they play in magick and ritual. I also read listener email and we have a good time as always! All this and more!
Links: Lon Milo DuQuette, Email Lon, Tarot of Ceremonial Magick, Thelesis Aura, Beyond the Threshold, Tenacity Radio, The Juggler, Pagan Newswire Collective, Rikki LaCoste, Rikki Come Home Video, Title Goes Here:, Misanthrope Press, ChrisOrapello.com, Proud Pagan Podcasters,
Music: George Wood, Alexandre Falcao, Linda Holzer, Guy David, Persian Paladin,
Featured Music: Louis Armstong and the Commanders,
Promos: Media Astra Ac Terra, Beyond the Threshold, Kakophonos, Pagan FM, Lakefront Pagan Voice,
Credits: PodsafeAudio, Podsafe Music Network,
Show Script (pdf)
12/21/2010 • 1 hour, 41 minutes, 53 seconds
TI&TB #017 - Ghosts and Loyd Auerbach
In the latest episode of The Infinite and the Beyond, we speak to Parapsychologist Loyd Auerbach about his experiences as a paranormal investigator. Loyd runs the Office of Paranormal Investigations out in California and has been consulted and featured on many shows dealing with hauntings and the paranormal. Loyd talks to us about being a parapsychologist, ghosts, educational opportunities, investigating, and we even discuss some of the current television shows that depict paranormal investigation. I share some of my own personal ghost stories, one of which occurred when I was very young and the other when I was much older. My interest in the paranormal started from this very early experience as a child; while the other experience taught me that you never know when you're being watched and by whom. We learn about famous escape artist and medium debunker Harry Houdini in A Corner in the Occult. Can you untie knots with your toes? Houdini could! Learn about this famous magician, his battle with the spiritualist movement during the early 20th century and why he is spotlighted in this episode's edition of A Corner in the Occult. Also in the episode, I read listener email. We see which listener won a copy of Jeva Singh-Anand’s book Bed Time Stories for the Faint of Heart. And in The Essence of Magick Series we discuss the ideas behind magickal intent and learn about what makes it up and how much it applies to greater scope of one's existence and not exclusively to the practice of magick. This is a real fun episode. I hope enjoy it!
Links: Loyd Auerbach, Tenacity Radio, Title Goes Here:, Misanthrope Press, ChrisOrapello.com, Proud Pagan Podcasters,
Music: George Wood, Ludovico Einaudi, ASCIAN, Jim Butler, Alexandre Falcao, Linda Holzer, Guy David, Ray Parker Jr., Persian Paladin,
Promos: A Pagan Heart in Maine, Beyond the Threshold, Kakophonos, Media Astra Ac Terra, Pagan FM!,
Credits: PodsafeAudio, Podsafe Music Network,
Show Script (pdf)
11/8/2010 • 2 hours, 2 minutes, 18 seconds
TI&TB #016 - A Crisis of Faith
In this episode we talk with fellow podcaster and author Jeva Singh-Anand about his new book Bedtime Stories for the Faint of Heart. Jeva is the host of the Lance and Graal podcast and Professor Zarnoff’s Channel on YouTube. We also discuss his background as a former Christian Fundamentalist and what happened to cause him to move away from it. I go back to lodge after a year of staying away from it and I share my experiences about that return. We learn about 16th century heresy in this episode’s edition of A Corner in the Occult as we learn about Father Giordano Bruno. I read a single listener message to a nostalgic pagan podcaster music track. I also announce a contest for this episode. We start The Essence of Magick Series by looking into “Belief and Magick.” How much does belief really play into the practice and effect of magick and how does one apply their will to their magick and how do such acts differ from mundane acts which may be of a similar context and nature. We hear a great music track from Tenpenny Joke an Alternative Australian band who may not be a pagan band, but who absolutely rocks none-the-less and we are glad to have them in this episode! To close the show we look into crises of faith, what they are, and why they’re actually beneficial for one’s spiritual growth and a positive sign of one’s dedication to their path. All this and more in this great episode, Blessed Be and 93!
Links: Lance and Graal, Professor Zarnoff, Black Hat Press, Giordano Bruno, MeatCrab.com, Starsend Radio, WXPN Philadelphia, The Gatherings, Title Goes Here:, Misanthropress, Proud Pagan Podcasters,
Music: George Wood, George Winston, Vince Guaraldi, Alexandre Falcao, Linda Holzer, Persian Paladin,
Promos: Media Astra Ac Terra, Druid Cast, Kakophonos, Standing Stone Garden Gate,
Featured Music: Tenpenny Joke, XTC, REM
Credits: PodsafeAudio, Podsafe Music Network,
Show Script (pdf)
9/26/2010 • 1 hour, 48 minutes, 33 seconds
TI&TB #015 - Ergo, the Ego
If you hadn’t guessed, in this episode we discuss the Ego, ergo the name of this episode, and we discuss these issues with famous occult author and musician Lon Milo DuQuette along with his forth coming book on Low Magick: It's All In Your Head ... You Just Have No Idea How Big Your Head Is. We wrap up our journey through the Kybalion. I announce a new show segment series for the podast. I read listener email. We learn about Henri Cornelius Agrippa in A Corner in the Occult. We go on location is Eastern Pennsylvania to learn about some of the local wildlife. We find out which lucky listener won a copy of Dr. Dean Radin’s book Entangled Minds. And we have a great time doing it!
Links: Lon Milo DuQuette, MagiQuest, Funplex, Quantum Entanglement and DNA, Sweet Babalon (Video), White Album (CD), Low Magick (New Book), Title Goes Here:, Misanthrope Press, ChrisOrapello.com, Proud Pagan Podcasters,
Music: George Wood, Carly Simon, Blackmore's Night, Los Lobos, Alexandre Falcao, Linda Holzer, Guy David, Persian Paladin,
Featured Music: Lon Milo DuQuette,
Promos: Kakophonos, Pennies in the Well, Media Astra Ac Terra, Druid Cast, Witchery of One, Lance and Graal,
Credits: PodsafeAudio, Podsafe Music Network,
Show Script (pdf)
8/8/2010 • 0
TI&TB #014 - Magick with Dr. Dean Radin
In this episode we learn about the legendary French alchemist Nicolas Flamel in A Corner in the Occult. I read some of the listener messages that I received since the last episode. We talk with author and parapsychologist Dr. Dean Radin, senior scientist at The Institute of Noetic Sciences and author of Entangled Minds, Extrasensory experiences in a Quantum Reality. During the course of the interview we talk about the Global Consciousness Project, discuss his experiences as a research scientist and finally how his findings relate to the art and practice of magick. I also announced a contest which will occur in the next episode so be sure to enter if you are interested in participating. All this and more in this great episode, blessed be and 93!
Links: Dean Radin, Entangled Minds: Dean Radin's Blog, Global Consciousness Project, Jonathan Goodman, Global Brain Painting, Institute of Noetic Sciences, IONS: PSI Games, The Alchemy Website, Jungian Podcast, Title Goes Here:, ChrisOrapello.com, Proud Pagan Podcasters,
Music: George Wood, Al Petteway, Alexandre Falcao, Linda Holzer, Ted Tunes, Persian Paladin,
Promos: Pennies in the Well, :Media Astra Ac Terra, Kakophonos,
Credits: PodsafeAudio, Podsafe Music Network,
Show Script (pdf)
6/26/2010 • 1 hour, 39 minutes, 15 seconds
TI&TB #013 - A Little Bit of Bohemia
We look into Bohemianism and its similarities to modern paganism. We discuss absinthe the famous mythic bohemian drink, along with its brief history, how to prepare it, enjoy it, and how to buy it. We learn about famous author, psychic, medium, and magickian Dion Fortune in A Corner in the Occult. We explore the Principle of Gender in our journey through the Kybalion. We memorialize the recent passing of Peter Steele from the band Type O Negative and we hear a song from them as well. We read some of the listener email that has come in since the last episode. We play some great music and see which two lucky listeners will win copies of Stacey Fitzpatrick’s album Forever More. To close we talk about Gender and Deity and look into the issues that they reveal about modern paganism. And more in this fun episode!
Links: The Wormwood Society, Philadelphia Distilling Company, Delaware Phoenix, Pacific Distillery, St. George Spirits, Gnostalgic Spirits, Ltd., The Absinthe Museum, The Society of Inner Light, Stacey Fitzpatrick, Title Goes Here:, ChrisOrapello.com, Disinformation,
Music: George Wood, Jefferson Airplane, Guy David, Alexandre Falcao, Linda Holzer, Ted Tunes, Persian Paladin,
Featured Music: Stacey Fitzpatrick, Type O Negative, Jerfferson Airplane, Iron Butterfly,
Promos:Media Astra Ac Terra, WitchesBrewHaHa, New World Witchery, Standing Stone and Garden Gate,
Credits: PodsafeAudio, Podsafe Music Network,
5/26/2010 • 1 hour, 16 minutes, 49 seconds
TI&TB #012 - The Goddess and the Grail
We bring Pagan Pride Day into the studio as we learn about bloodlines, genetics, and the Goddess and the Grail with local Foundation teacher Ken Neuhauser. In A Corner in the Occult we learn about Madame Helena Blavatsky and the Theosophical Society. I play a song I’ve been wanting to play since the beginning of the podcast as well as more music by singer songwriter Stacey Fitzpatrick whom we met in the previous episode. And later in the show we find out which two lucky winners win the first two copies of Stacey Fitzpatrick’s album Forever More. All this and more in this informative and fun episode!
Lecture Bibliography:
The Nag Hammadi Library,
Rosslyn- Guardian Of The Secrets Of The Holy Grail by Tim and Marilyn Hopkins Wallace-Murphy,
The Secret Tradition in Arthurian Legend by Gareth Knight,
Holy Blood, Holy Grail by Michael Baigent, Richard Leigh, and Henry Lincoln
Links: Stacey Fitzpatrick, Foundation Capstone, Ken Neuhauser, White Dog Cafe, Theosophical Society in America, Title Goes Here:, ChrisOrapello.com,
Music: George Wood, Melissa Cox, Alexandre Falcao, Linda Holzer, Ted Tunes, Persian Paladin,
Featured Music: Stacey Fitzpatrick, The Sword,
Show Libray: Isis Unveiled (pdf), Kabalah and Kabalism (pdf), Studies in Occultism (pdf), The Secret Doctrine (pdf),
Promos: Moonshine,
Credits: PodsafeAudio, Podsafe Music Network,
Show Script (pdf)
4/2/2010 • 1 hour, 36 minutes, 31 seconds
TI&TB #011 - Coincidence and Synchronicity
In this coincidental episode we explore the Principle of Cause and Effect as we continue with our journey through The Kybalion. We talk with South Jersey singer songwriter Stacey Fitzpatrick and I play some of her music during the episode. In A Corner in the Occult we learn about influential Swiss Psychiatrist Carl Gustav Jung and his ideas of the Archetype, the Collective Unconscious, and Synchronicity. I read listener email. We find out who won the resin pentacle wall plaque from Episode 10 and I announce the music CD contest for episode 12! We talk with local High Priest PanOrpheus about divination and his upcoming workshop at the Ecumenicon Interfaith Conference occurring at the end of March in Potomac, Maryland. To close, I try and make sense of all this crazy stuff. Enjoy!
Links: Stacey Fitzpatrick, PanOrpheus, Ecumenicon Interfaith Conference, Thanissaro Bhikku, Audio Dharma,
Music: George Wood, Maserati, Ann Sweeten, Guy David, Alexandre Falcao, Linda Holzer, Ted Tunes, Persian Paladin,
Featured Music: Stacey Fitzpatrick, The White Stripes,
Promos: A Pagan Heart in Maine, Celtic Myth Podshow, The Mystic Mind Podcast, Standing Stone and Garden Gate, Lakefront Pagan Voice, Media Astra Ac Terra, Geek Witch,
Credits: PodsafeAudio, Podsafe Music Network,
Show Script (pdf)
3/15/2010 • 1 hour, 41 minutes, 6 seconds
TI&TB #010 - Death and Necromancy
In this extra long landmark episode we talk about death, the greatest rite of passage of them all by addressing its meaning and reality as well as how it affects the meaning of life. We talk to Ray Sette about being a Psychic Astrologer. We learn about Dr. John Dee, Sir Edward Kelley, and Enochian Magic in A Corner in the Occult. I read listener email. We find out which two lucky listeners won the goathead wall plaques from Episode #008. I share some personal stories regarding my experiences with death and medical cadavers. And to close we discuss Necromancy and Electronic Voice Phenomena.
Links: Ray Sette Psychic Astrologer, Association TransCommunication, Krampus, Mid-Atlantic Paranormal Research, American Express Commerical
Music: George Wood, Blue Oyster Cult, ASCIAN, Dragon Ritual Drummers, All India Radio, Guy David, Alexandre Falcao, Linda Holzer, Ted Tunes, Persian Paladin
Featured Music: Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Portishead
Promos: Inciting A Riot, Lance and Graal, Witchery of One, Spiritscast
Credits: PodsafeAudio, Podsafe Music Network
Show Script (pdf)
1/23/2010 • 1 hour, 57 minutes, 24 seconds
TI&TB #009 - Pagan Pride Day
In this episode, we show our pride by revisiting South Jersey Pagan Pride Day, which occurred back on October 11th, 2009. We learn that pagan pride has nothing to do with joining a biker gang. We speak with Henry Buchy, a Feri Initiate and Teacher. We learn about Gerald Gardner in A Corner in the Occult. We speak with South Jersey Pagan Pride secretary Janet Mays. We read listener letters. And to close I sit back down with Amie Tolomeo who we spoke with in episode seven.
Links: Autism NJ, Covenant of Rhiannon, The Folklore Society, The Pagan Pride Project, Podcast Awards, Society for Psychical Research, South Jersey Pagan Pride, Sun and Moon Metaphysical Shoppe, The Zaracon Show
Music: George Wood, Anthony Burbidge, 3vrn3n, Alexandre Falcao, Briareus, Linda Holzer, Ted Tunes, Persian Paladin
Pagan Podcasting Workshop: About Pagan Podcasting (pdf), A Listing of Some Popular Pagan Podcasts (pdf), Create Your Own Show (pdf)
Promos: The Wigglian Way, Media Astra Ac Terra, Druid Cast, Lakefront Pagan Voice, Pagan FM, Proud Pagan Podcasters
Credits: Podsafe Audio, Podsafe Music Network
12/7/2009 • 1 hour, 25 minutes, 21 seconds
TI&TB #008 - That Old Black Magick
We take a personal stab at the concepts of good and evil. We have some fun with a capital W. We look into the Principle of Polarity in our journey through The Kybalion. I read listener email and announce a contest for this episode. I play a variety of show promos. As we address the controversial idea and existence of black magick from a traditional as well as from a philosophical perspective throughout the entirety of the show.
Links: Gordon Thomas Ward, Haunted New Jersey, Hometown Tales, Inciting A Riot, Loyd Auerbach, Original Haunted Cape May Tour, South Jersey Pagan Pride, Podcast Desktop Graphic, Paranormal Lectures in NYC
Manuscripts: The Grand Grimoire, The Grimoire Verum, The Grimoire of Honorius
Music: George Wood, Carlos Santana, Jon Schmidt, James Clarke, Guy David, Flatstreet, Alexandre Falcao, Linda Holzer, Ted Tunes, Ajero Mario, Persian Paladin
Promos: Celtic Myth Podshow, Geek Witch,Witchery of One, KHPR: The Voice of Darkness, Spiritscast
Credits: PodsafeAudio, Podsafe Music Network
10/25/2009 • 1 hour, 9 minutes, 13 seconds
TI&TB #007 - Paganism and Being Pagan
In this episode, a discussion of the meaning of paganism and being Pagan with Amie Tolomeo co-owner of Sun and Moon a south Jersey Metaphysical Shoppe and co-coordinator of the South Jersey Pagan Pride Day. I respond to listener email and talk about paranormal investigation, how to spot poor investigative practices and recognize misinformed ghost hunter groups. We learn about Hermes Trismegistus and Hermeticism in A Corner of the Occult. We see who won the copy of Arthur Hinds’ album Poetry of Wonder. And we discuss the Principle of Vibration as we continue with our journey through The Kybalion.
Links: Asclepius, Corpus Hermeticum, Perchten Procession, Proud Pagan Podcasters, Mid-Atlantic Paranormal Research, The Orthodox Druid Blog, Sun and Moon Metaphysical Shoppe, South Jersey Pagan Pride Day.Promos: Get Witchified, Get out of the Broom Closet, A Pagan Heart in Maine, The College Witch, Pagan Centered Podcast.Music: Alexandre Falcao, Arthur Hinds, Linda Holzer, David Parker, Persian Paladin, Ted Tunes, George Wood.Credits: Podsafe Audio , Podsafe Music Network.
8/31/2009 • 1 hour, 18 minutes, 29 seconds
TI&TB #006 - The Modern Spirit of Paganism
In this episode I discuss the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn in A Corner in the Occult. We talk with musician and Emerald Rose member Arthur Hinds about his new solo album, Poetry of Wonder and I play "Cast Away" and "Pantheon" from it. I see who won the contest from episode #005 and announce a contest for the next episode. I discuss the value of change in honor of International Pagan Values Blogging Month. I explore the Principle of Correspondence in our third installment of The Kybalion. And to close, I discuss The Modern Spirit of Paganism, which is a seminar I did for South Jersey's Pagan Pride Day back in 2006.Links: Arthur Hinds, The College Witch, Toil and Trouble, South Jersey Pagan Pride Day, International Pagan Values Blogging Month, Scarlet Woman Lodge, Lunar Adorations, Liber Resh vel Helios, Pagan Pride Day Promos: The Wigglian Way, A Pagan Heart in Maine, Lakefront Pagan Voice, Geek Witch, Pagan FM, Media Astra Ac Terra
Featured Music: "Cast Away" and "Pantheon" from Poetry of Wonder by Arthur Hinds
Music: Alexandre Falcao, Arthur Hinds, ASCIAN, George Wood, Linda Holzer, Monika Herzig, Persian Paladin, Ted Tunes
Credits: PodsafeAudio, Podsafe Music Network
7/3/2009 • 1 hour, 6 minutes, 13 seconds
TI&TB #005 - The Nature of Nature
In this episode we have a talk about the nature of magick. We listen to another track from The Evolutionaries. The first show contest is opened for entries. We continue with our journey through the Kybalion. We learn about Samuel Liddell Macgregor Mathers in A Corner in Occult. We reflect on the Eliphas Levi segment from episode #003. I share a personal tale of Will. And to close, we ponder the nature of nature.
Segments: The Nature of Magick, A Corner in the Occult: Samuel Liddell Macgregor Mathers, Poor Eliphas Levi, A Little Tale of Will, The Kybalion: Priniciple of Mentalism, The Nature of Nature.
Music: George Wood, Monika Herzig, Ascian, Alexandre Falcao, Linda Holzer, Guy David, Ambient Light, The Evolutionaries, The Catz in The Hatz, Ted Tunes, 3vrn3n, and Persian Paladin.
Links: Paranormal Lectures in NYC, The Disinformation Podcast, Media Astra Ac Terra, K.A.B. Crying Indian Commercial, June 2009 International Pagan Values Blogging Month, Pagan Spirit Gathering
Credits: Garage Band, Podsafe Audio, Podsafe Music Network
5/16/2009 • 1 hour, 15 minutes, 35 seconds
TI&TB #004 - Combocast with Haunted NJ
And now for something completely different! This is our first combocast with Garret Husveth and Gordon Ward from Haunted New Jersey; this being their seventy third overall podcast and our fourth. I just want to let any new listeners know that this is not a usual episode of The Infinite and the Beyond, however, it is a fun one and I hope you enjoy it! Tara and I catch up with Garret and Gordon, we listen to evps, and cope with the blues band that was unexpectedly rehearsing in the room next to us. Don't worry, The Infinite and the Beyond will be back with its regular show format in the next episode, but until then I hope you enjoy this little treat with the guys from HNJ!
3/30/2009 • 27 minutes, 10 seconds
TI&TB #003 - The Secrets of My Success!
In this episode we acknowledge the use of glitter and discuss anomalous pets and what to do if you think you have one. The benefits of backgrounds and the freedom to wander through your path. We hear what composer Kristian Stout has evolved into. I say thank you to Kia Dragon from the podcast Pagan Chaos Magic. We learn about famous occultist Eliphas Levi in A Corner in the Occult. I respond to listener email and have some laughs doing it. We begin a new show segment with an introduction to my other favorite text. And we continue with our discussion on community by addressing covens.
Segments: The Ghost Cat, My Background and Path, A Corner in the Occult: Eliphas Levi, The Kybalion: Introduction and History, and Covens
Music: George Wood, Lumiloop, Alexandre Falcao, Linda Holzer, The Evolutionaries, Ted Tunes, 3vrn3n, and Persian Paladin
Links: The Evolutionaries, The Kybalion (text website), The Kybalion (pdf), A Pagan Heart in Maine, Celtic Myth Podshow, and The Wigglian Way
Credits: Podsafe Audio, Podsafe Music Network
3/15/2009 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 22 seconds
TI&TB #002 - Beyond 93!
In this episode we talk about seeking community, we meet a common friend of heavy metal album covers and anti-mason propagandists as we learn about Baphomet in the regular show segment A Corner in the Occult. We learn just what I mean when I refer to occultism and the occult. And I offer some friendly discourse by elaborating on Thelema, its Laws, and how I personally apply it in my life as we go beyond 93!
Segments: Seeking Community, A Corner in the Occult-Baphomet, What is Occultism? and Beyond 93!
Music: Proteus by composer George Wood, The Eternal by Lumiloop, Voices from the ether by ASCIAN, Piano Quartet in g 3rd Movement by Mozart performed by Linda Holzer, Spaces by 3vrn3n, Drum and Bass by Ted Tunes, Universe Inside You by Persian Paladin
Links: Peter J. Carroll, Chick Publications: The Curse of Baphomet, Leonardo Da Vinci Notebooks Online, Dan Eldon, GeekWitch, Haunted New Jersey Podcast, PSIence by Marie D. Jones, The Pagan Podcast Index, Proud Pagan Podcasters, Templar History.com, The Wigglian Way
Credits: GarageBand, PodsafeAudio, Podsafe Music Network
2/15/2009 • 52 minutes, 7 seconds
TI&TB #001 - The Curse of Being Weird
In this introductory episode we introduce the listener to the show by discussing the title and its direction. We learn about Aleister Crowley in the show segment “A Corner in the Occult”. Later we address the issues with being an individual and what to avoid if you happen to be one of the cursed. And we finish the show with a look into pantheism.
Segments: A Corner in the Occult: Aleister Crowley, The Curse of Being Weird, Could I be a Pantheist?
Music: (in order of being heard) Proteus by composer George Wood, The Eternal by Lumiloop, Piano Quartet in g 3rd Movement by Mozart performed by Linda Holzer, Drum and Bass by Ted Tunes, Eternal by 1, Spaces by 3vrn3n, a soundscape project by M. T. Pierce. Music of the lithosphere, Universe Inside You by Persian Paladin.
Links: The Pagan Podcast Index, Haunted New Jersey, Deo’s Shadow, World Pantheism, Universal Pantheist Society, The Mindscape of Alan Moore
Credits: PodsafeAudio, Podsafe Music Network