Arnemancy

In this second episode of the nine-part Arbatel Project series, Erik and Evan explore the First Septenary of this 16th century Swiss grimoire. The episode delves into the Arbatel's emphasis on secrecy in magical practice, summarized by the opening aphorism: "Whoever wants to know secrets, needs to know how to keep secrets."The First Septenary establishes the foundation for the grimoire's approach to magic, encouraging practitioners to "live for the Muses" by embracing creativity and artistic pursuits. We discuss the importance of memory in magical practice, with the Arbatel instructing practitioners to thoroughly memorize essential knowledge. While the text presents a Christian framework for invoking deity before magical works, the hosts explore how practitioners of various spiritual backgrounds might adapt these principles.Get the Arbatel so you can follow along: https://amzn.to/40eDW9EAnd join our chat on Discord: https://arnemancy.com/discordSupport Arnemancy on Patreon: https://patreon.com/arnemancyMentioned in this episode:Visit Sword + ScytheSword + Scythe creates handmade materia magica, amulets, astrological talismans, and provides divinatory services under the auspices of Mars and Saturn. Visit at swordandscythe.comSword + Scythe

Finally, it is here, the premier of the Arbatel series! In this episode, we introduce two key parts of the series. First, my co-host Evan. Second, the Arbatel itself! Learn about this 16th century grimoire, its origins in Protestant Switzerland, and the mysteries surrounding its publishing and authorship.This is the first of a nine-part series about the Arbatel.Get the Arbatel so you can follow along: https://amzn.to/40eDW9EAnd join our chat on Discord: https://arnemancy.com/discordSupport Arnemancy on Patreon: https://patreon.com/arnemancyMentioned in this episode:Visit Sword + ScytheSword + Scythe creates handmade materia magica, amulets, astrological talismans, and provides divinatory services under the auspices of Mars and Saturn. Visit at swordandscythe.comSword + Scythe

My friends and frequent guests T. Susan Chang and Andrew B. Watt join me for part two of our 2024 retrospective. Susie, as usual, handles the Tarot cards, while Andrew manages the astrology. Pour yourself a beverage and settle in, as we poke at spreadsheets and explore last year's news to peer curiously into the past.Andrew B. Watt is an astrologer, magician, and cool wizard. T. Susan Chang is a Tarot expert, author, and cool wizard. Please enjoy our look back at the second, tumultuous half of 2024!LinksThe 2024 Forecast Series (including the look back)T. Susan Chang's website and Tarotista Etsy shopAndrew B. Watt's websiteSupport Arnemancy on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/arnemancyMentioned in this episode:Visit Sword + ScytheSword + Scythe creates handmade materia magica, amulets, astrological talismans, and provides divinatory services under the auspices of Mars and Saturn. Visit at swordandscythe.comSword + Scythe

This special bonus episode is from a brand new podcast, The Reflective Soul, hosted by my friend and recurring Arnemancy guest, Dr. Nick Literski.The Reflective Soul Podcast explores the intersection of psyche and spirit. Through engaging solo episodes and heartfelt interviews, discover how dreams, symbols, archetypes, and sacred stories can inspire transformation and growth.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to The Reflective Soul Podcast!Support Arnemancy on Patreon: Support this Podcast Mentioned in this episode:Visit Sword + ScytheSword + Scythe creates handmade materia magica, amulets, astrological talismans, and provides divinatory services under the auspices of Mars and Saturn. Visit at swordandscythe.comSword + Scythe

For the podcast's fifth anniversary, Eric Purdue joined me at Dark Star Magick in Portland, Oregon, for a live podcast recording. We had a live audience, livestreamed the conversation to YouTube, and overall had a really excellent time. Our conversation focused on his translation of Henry Cornelius Agrippa's Three Books of Occult Philosophy, which was released in 2022. I wanted to find out more about the ongoing influence of his translation, and how it is reshaping the modern occult community.Eric Purdue is a practitioner of medieval astrology, and a santero (olorisha) in Lucumí/Santeria. He has studied metaphysics for over thirty years, with a particular focus on practical folk and astrological magic. His work on traditional talismanic magic appeared in the inaugural edition of The Ascendant (2014).Thanks to Dark Star Magick for hosting this event. While it may have been a crazy idea to host it on Halloween, Steve enthusiastically jumped on the idea and then trusted us to pull it off. I am very grateful that he sat in as the intermediary between our Internet audience and the live event. Dark Star Magick is an incredible occult bookstore, carrying new, used, and rare books. They ship all over the world, so be sure to check out their online shop.Live podcasts are a lot of work, and I couldn't have done this without the help of my brother Nick Arneson, and his audio/visual engineering skills. Make sure to check out his music and video production agency, Sunshine Presents.LinksEric Purdue's websiteDark Star MagickThree Books of Occult Philosophy by Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa (trans. Eric Purdue)Dr. Justin Sledge's Agrippa courseSupport Arnemancy on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/arnemancyMentioned in this episode:Visit Sword + ScytheSword + Scythe creates handmade materia magica, amulets, astrological talismans, and provides divinatory services under the auspices of Mars and Saturn. Visit at swordandscythe.comSword + Scythe

Part 1 of the 2025 Forecast is here! The Confraternity of Prognosticators has convened once more, and I am joined by my friends Andrew B. Watt and T. Susan Chang to use astrology and Tarot to forecast the coming year. We are delighted to have you on this amusing journey! This episode covers the months January through June, along with a bonus forecast about TikTok.Andrew B. Watt is an astrologer, magician, and cool wizard. T. Susan Chang is a Tarot expert, author, and cool wizard. You know who we are, now go listen to us prognosticate!LinksAndrew B. Watt's websiteT. Susan Chang's websiteSupport Arnemancy on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/arnemancy

Happy holidays! My friend and returning guest Michael Sanborn joins me for this extra-special Christmas episode to drink yerba mate and discuss his latest Remy Boyer translation. The Way Without Masters: A Collection of Nondualist Texts is a collection of manifestos, hymns, verse, and prose that span a selection of collected topics from surrealism to Sebastianism to incoherism.We recorded this episode in the comfort of Michael's dining room while sipping yerba mate. Our conversation covers a broad array of topics from expressionism to the challenges of translating mystical verse. It was a delight to have Michael as a return guest.Michael Sanborn is a book designer and translator specializing in contemporary European esoterica. He participates in several esoteric traditions, including Neoplatonism, and Templarism. He is also a gnostic bishop and a member of Azoth Temple in Portland, Oregon.Rémi Boyer has explored at length the world of the avant-garde, initiatory traditions, and philosophies of enlightenment. He works within the setting of the House of Surrealists in Cordes-sur-Ciel, for a new alliance between traditions, philosophies of awakening, and the artistic avant-garde. He is the author of some twenty specialized works, particularly on Western initiatory movements.LinksGet the new book at Ways of AwakeningRose Circle BooksMichael's previous podcast appearances:Friends of the Spirit with Michael SanbornSeeking the Imago Templi with Michael SanbornSupport Arnemancy on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/arnemancyMentioned in this episode:Visit Sword + ScytheSword + Scythe creates handmade materia magica, amulets, astrological talismans, and provides divinatory services under the auspices of Mars and Saturn. Visit at swordandscythe.comSword + Scythe

Sam Block joins me to explain why he possibly thought it was a good idea to start a weekly Kybalion discussion group on the Hermetic House of Life (HHoL). Sam is a moderator of HHoL and runs the Digital Ambler website, a blog about Hermeticism, magic, and the occult. This episode is based off of my recent YouTube video, The Nightmare of Hermes Trismegistus, but it includes the full interview with Sam instead of just the bits that made it into the video. Listen and enjoy! By the way, if you are interested in what to read instead of the Kybalion, I have an excellent reading list you should check out. Links The Digital Ambler The Hermetic House of Life The only good edition of the Kybalion Support Arnemancy on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/arnemancyMentioned in this episode:Visit Sword + ScytheSword + Scythe creates handmade materia magica, amulets, astrological talismans, and provides divinatory services under the auspices of Mars and Saturn. Visit at swordandscythe.comSword + Scythe

This episode is repurposed from my first YouTube video. It is an exploration of the methods behind why divination works, featuring my friend Tres Henry. Note that this is not an episode that tries to convince skeptics that divination works—we just take that for granted!Tres Henry is a magician, software engineer, and tinkerer who has worked in the tech industry for over twenty years. He is now bringing all of that nerd power to bear by creating digital tools for magicians. Two that you may have heard of are the astrology software Urania and online geomantic tool Georatio. He is currently working on building the best astrology software in the world.LinksHall of Doors (Tres's website)UraniaGeoratioCosmic PlumbingThis episode, but on YouTubeSupport Arnemancy on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/arnemancyMentioned in this episode:Visit Sword + ScytheSword + Scythe creates handmade materia magica, amulets, astrological talismans, and provides divinatory services under the auspices of Mars and Saturn. Visit at swordandscythe.comSword + Scythe

Sara Mastros is the author of Sorcery of Solomon, Orphic Hymns Grimoire, and The Big Book of Magical Incense. She teaches magic and witchcraft online and is currently working on even more incredible Solomonic pentacle material.She joins me to discuss many topics, including the Solomonic pentacles and the nature of initiation. Sara helps put the Key of Solomon in its proper historic context, guiding us through the interpretation and explanation of these well-known but poorly-understood classics of the Western magical tradition.LinksThe Sorcery of Solomon by Sara MastrosWitch LessonsChanging Times Changing Worlds ConferenceSupport Arnemancy on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/arnemancyMentioned in this episode:Visit Sword + ScytheSword + Scythe creates handmade materia magica, amulets, astrological talismans, and provides divinatory services under the auspices of Mars and Saturn. Visit at swordandscythe.comSword + Scythe

Welcome to the 6th season of the Arnemancy Podcast! It has been a delightful ride. We are kicking off this season with another meeting of the Confraternity of Prognosticators. This time, we are reviewing our forecast for the first half of 2024, carefully combing through headlines for each month, to see where we were right, where we were wrong, and to discuss how forecasts can be more effective in the future.My friends and frequent guests T. Susan Chang and Andrew B. Watt join me for this retrospective. Susie, as usual, handles the Tarot cards, while Andrew manages the astrology. Pour yourself a beverage and settle in, as we explore spreadsheets and newspapers to peer curiously into the recent past.LinksT. Susan Chang's website and Tarotista Etsy shopAndrew B. Watt's websiteSupport Arnemancy on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/arnemancyMentioned in this episode:Visit Sword + ScytheSword + Scythe creates handmade materia magica, amulets, astrological talismans, and provides divinatory services under the auspices of Mars and Saturn. Visit at swordandscythe.comSword + Scythe

Jacob Budenz returns for a discussion of poetry, music, art, and how all of them intersect with witchcraft and magic. Jake shares some of their process, and discusses influences from a wide array of mystics and artists, including the anchoress Julian of Norwitch and artist Marjorie Kemp. This episode was a blast---we laughed a lot, and I am sure you will, too!Jacob Budenz is a queer author, multi-disciplinary performer, educator, and witch with an MFA from University of New Orleans and a BA from Johns Hopkins, whose work focuses broadly on the intersection of otherness and the otherworldly. In addition to writing, Jake is the front person for Baltimore-based psychedelic witchpop darlings Moth Broth. This episode features their new song, Willa!LinksListen to Mothbroth on Bandcamp!Mothbroth on InstagramJacob Budenz on InstagramJake's websiteJake's previous appearance on the podcastSupport the Arnemancy podcast: https://arnemancy.com/supportMentioned in this episode:Visit Sword + ScytheSword + Scythe creates handmade materia magica, amulets, astrological talismans, and provides divinatory services under the auspices of Mars and Saturn. Visit at swordandscythe.comSword + Scythe

Derek Hunter joins me in this episode to explore the rich and confusing world of literature in Elizabethan England! We talk about a number of very interesting characters, especially how they may relate to the question of the identity of William Shakespeare and the authorship of his plays.Derek is theauthor of 15 books—11 works of fiction, 4 nonfiction—the creator of a philosophy called Love Chaos, an occult practitioner, and a general seeker after the variety and depths of existence.Three of his most recent works are: Anonymous Agnostic Antichrists, Passionate Pilgrims, and The Human Drama Part Zero: The Fool, Frank Francine Fontaine. These were released in late 2023 and early 2024. AAA, a novel, and PP, a short nonfiction companion piece, were dedicated to the Shakespeare authorship question. The Human Drama series began this year with The Fool and will continue with The Magician on the Summer Solstice, a total of 78 short stories planned for the 78 tarot cards in the next 20 years.LinksFind all of Derek's work at love-chaos.com!Mentioned in this episode:Visit Sword + ScytheSword + Scythe creates handmade materia magica, amulets, astrological talismans, and provides divinatory services under the auspices of Mars and Saturn. Visit at swordandscythe.comSword + Scythe

Bishop Scott Rassbach joins me in this episode to discuss the Apostolic Johannite Church, the Friary Ordo Sacrae Flammae, and the AJC's annual Conclave, and all manner of mystical strangeness.Bishop Rassach has a Bachelor's degree in English and History from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he prepared on a thesis on Philip K. Dick and his works. He also holds a Licentiate in Sacred Theology from St. Raphael’s seminary, where he has delved into many topics in Modern Gnosticism.He is an avid student of magical and mystic orders, modern ways of understanding ancient ideas, and the intersection of the traditional and the current. Scott likes to say that he is not a professional occult practitioner, but rather an advanced amateur. But he seems pretty advanced to me!LinksApostolic Johannite ChurchOrdo Sacrae FlammaeThe AJC Annual Conclave (May 31st through June 2nd!)Mentioned in this episode:Visit Sword + ScytheSword + Scythe creates handmade materia magica, amulets, astrological talismans, and provides divinatory services under the auspices of Mars and Saturn. Visit at swordandscythe.comSword + Scythe

In this episode, Dr. Nick Literski joins me to explore the topic of spiritual guidance. What does a spiritual guide do? Who should seek one out? Along the way, we dive into the latest findings on religious affiliations and behaviors, which suggest that many identify with being spiritual seekers outside traditional settings. In such a diverse spiritual landscape, whom do these seekers turn to for guidance? Dr. Nick Literski is an Adjunct Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the California Institute of Integral Studies, and a professional spiritual guide. Dr. Literski holds a doctorate in Depth Psychology with Emphasis in Jungian and Archetypal Studies from Pacifica Graduate Institute, as well as a master’s in Spiritual Guidance from Sofia University and a Juris Doctor from the Northern Illinois University College of Law. Their research interests include depth psychological reflections on spirituality, magic, Paleolithic cave art, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Nick’s work has been published in multiple professional journals. Their recent book, Method Infinite: Freemasonry and the Mormon Restoration, was published by Greg Kofford Books in 2022.LinksDancing AncestorsDancing Ancestors on FacebookSupport this podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/arnemancyMentioned in this episode:Visit Sword + ScytheSword + Scythe creates handmade materia magica, amulets, astrological talismans, and provides divinatory services under the auspices of Mars and Saturn. Visit at swordandscythe.comSword + Scythe

Rejoice, lovely listeners! In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Mat Dragonstone, astrologer, Tarot reader, astro-mage, all round nice guy. This is part two of our discussion on Agrippa, and you should definitely listen to part one on Mat's podcast before listening to this one.Our discussion begins with a conversation about two logical fallacies: the appeal to antiquity, and the appeal to novelty. We look at how these fallacies influenced Agrippa's work in Three Books of Occult Philosophy, but that's not all! We also discuss how these fallacies may be impacting today's magicians and practitioners, and then look at ways to mitigate the confusion and wrong-turns this appeal could take. This involves a discussion of post-modernism and Jaques Derrida, which Dr. Dragonstone is well-equipped to handle because his PhD is a real honest-to-gosh philosophy degree!This is a fascinating episode, and we only had mild internet troubles that I managed to almost completely edit around. Grab a caffeinated beverage for this one!LinksDr. Dragonstone's website TalismansInstagram Facebook YouTubeSupport me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/arnemancyMentioned in this episode:Visit Sword + ScytheSword + Scythe creates handmade materia magica, amulets, astrological talismans, and provides divinatory services under the auspices of Mars and Saturn. Visit at swordandscythe.comSword + Scythe

Jacob Budenz joins me to discuss Greco-Roman witchcraft, and in particular the influences of a number of classical texts have had upon modern witchcraft practices. We discuss "Idyll II" by Theocritus, Euripides' Medea, and Metamorphoses by Apueleius (aka The Golden Ass).Jacob is a queer author, multi-disciplinary performer, educator, and witch with an MFA from University of New Orleans and a BA from Johns Hopkins whose work focuses broadly on the intersection of otherness and the otherworldly. The author of magic realist short story collection Tea Leaves (Bywater Books 2023) and poetry chapbook Pastel Witcheries (Seven Kitchens Press 2018), Budenz has fiction and poetry in traditional print journals including Slipstream and Assaracus, zeitgeisty online journals including Taco Bell Quarterly and Wussy Mag, and lauded anthologies by Mason Jar Press and Unbound Edition. In addition to writing, Jake is the front person for Baltimore-based psychedelic witchpop darlings Moth Broth and has received awards and accolades for original theater work including a new adaptation of Mikhail Bulgakov's The Master and Margarita (Baltimore City Paper's Top Ten Staged Productions of 2016) and an original cabaret play about immortality and the cultural icon of the witch, Simaetha: a Dreambaby Cabaret (Baker Innovative Projects Grants, 2019). LinksJacob's websiteJacob on InstagramMoth Broth on BandcampSupport me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/arnemancyMentioned in this episode:Visit Sword + ScytheSword + Scythe creates handmade materia magica, amulets, astrological talismans, and provides divinatory services under the auspices of Mars and Saturn. Visit at swordandscythe.comSword + Scythe

I was recently a guest on Mat Dragonstone's podcast to talk about Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa and his theories on divine light. My internet connection was doing horribly, though, so Mat had to do a lot of creative editing to get the episode to come out okay. He did an AMAZING job. Give it a listen, and then head over to his website to check out what else he has going on!Here is a link to the original episode.Mentioned in this episode:Visit Sword + ScytheSword + Scythe creates handmade materia magica, amulets, astrological talismans, and provides divinatory services under the auspices of Mars and Saturn. Visit at swordandscythe.comSword + Scythe

Would Mormonism even exist without magical treasure hunting? This is an amazing question and a strange topic, and I am really thrilled that I get to explore this topic with my guest in this episode, Dr. Nick Literski!Dr. Nick Literski is an Adjunct Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the California Institute of Integral Studies, and a professional spiritual guide. Nick holds a doctorate in Depth Psychology with Emphasis in Jungian and Archetypal Studies from Pacifica Graduate Institute, as well as a master’s in Spiritual Guidance from Sofia University and a Juris Doctor from the Northern Illinois University College of Law. Their research interests include depth psychological reflections on spirituality, magic, Paleolithic cave art, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Nick’s work has been published in multiple professional journals. Their recent book, Method Infinite: Freemasonry and the Mormon Restoration, was published by Greg Kofford Books in 2022.LinksThe Occult Influences on Mormonism with Nick Literski (What Magic is This?)All You Need to Know About the Infamous Morgan AffairHoliness to the Lord lamen and read more about it here.Method Infinite: Freemasonry and the Mormon RestorationDancing AncestorsDancing Ancestors on FacebookSupport me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/arnemancyMentioned in this episode:Visit Sword + ScytheSword + Scythe creates handmade materia magica, amulets, astrological talismans, and provides divinatory services under the auspices of Mars and Saturn. Visit at swordandscythe.comSword + Scythe

Heather Freeman returns to the podcast to share her newest podcast project: Magic in the United States. Heather is a Professor of Digital Media at the University of North Charlotte at Charlotte. Her new podcast covers centuries of history of magical practice and folk traditions in North America. Join us as she leads us on the journey of what it's like to get such an amazing podcast funded through real grants on a major podcast network!We discuss Heather's plans for future episodes, as well as the difficulty of using the term "magic" as a catch-all term for the various practices and traditions she covers. I really loved this conversation, and I am certain that you will, too!Magic in the United States is part of the PRX network and is funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. This episode includes a short clip from one of its episodes.LinkMagic in the United StatesCharlotte Professor Explores 400 Years of American Magic With New PodcastAll of Heather's linksSupport me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/arnemancyMentioned in this episode:Visit Sword + ScytheSword + Scythe creates handmade materia magica, amulets, astrological talismans, and provides divinatory services under the auspices of Mars and Saturn. Visit at swordandscythe.comSword + Scythe