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Test Tubes and CauldronsEpisode 55: Science of Prayer Pt 2Welcome back to part 2 of our 'Science of Prayer' series! Back in April we discussed prayer with Aiden the VVitch, with a focus on the use of prayer in a variety of spiritual and occult settings. In this episode, the hosts tackle the science behind prayer, investigating the mechanisms behind how prayer affects our brains as well as the controversial fields of faith healing and whether prayer can benefit our health. BIBLIOGRAPHY Lancet Review of religion, spirituality, and medicine which touches (heh) on faith healing: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(98)07376-0/fulltext...2025-05-2848 minTest Tubes and CauldronsEpisode 54: New Years Magic and Updates!Hello from Hanne, Fel and Astra! It's been quite the year and we're excited to get back into it. In this episode we discuss some personal, practice and podcast updates as well as talk about what we're doing to start this year off magically. The next episodes after this one will be some back recordings. So excited to be back!!2025-03-1635 min
The Order of ChaosExploring The Grimoire Tradition with AstralogicalIn this exclusive episode I speak with one of next months Living Witchcraft presenters Astralogical and we explore the intersection of Catholicism and magick as well as the Lunar mansions and Grimoire traditions.2024-05-281h 01Test Tubes and CauldronsEpisode 53: Epigenetics!It's a science-heavy one this week, everyone! This week the hosts discuss the intriguing world of epigenetics, where nature and nurture collide. Can you change your DNA? What effect does the world have on our genetics, and on us as people? Does this have any spiritual consequences, as some people claim? Tune in this week to hear about the science behind epigenetics and our thoughts on how this somewhat contentious field has been appropriated by the spiritual world. RESOURCES & BIBLIOGRAPHY A great beginner page for genetics https://www.yourgenome.org/A deep dive into the history...2024-02-1045 minTest Tubes and CauldronsEpisode 52: The Magnanimous Life of Dr. John DeeWe are back with a long-awaited episode of our Occultists & Scientists series focusing on the life of John Dee and his scryer Edward Kelley. A renaissance man in every right, Dee was a physician, engineer, theologian, astronomer, cartographer, and magician - working with the angels to develop a unique system of angelic magic now described as Enochian. But this tale of the great magician has dark secrets…imprisoned for performing astrology, rumours of being a spy, hooking up with others wives, oh my! Perhaps like most magicians of his time, piousness was just a rumour. Join us as we so...2024-01-1454 minTest Tubes and CauldronsEpisode 51: Prayer with Aiden the VVitchThis week, TTAC are delighted to be joined by a special guest: Aiden aka @AidenTheVVitch In this episode, the hosts discuss all things prayer. How is prayer typically applied across different occult practices? Do you need to pray to be an occultist? Why are so many people ‘afraid’ of prayer? Is there any scientific evidence for prayer as a health intervention? And what’s the difference between prayer & spells, anyway? We hope you enjoyed this special guest episode of TTAC - let us know if you’d like to hear more from Aiden in the future! REFERENCES: Reviews of prayer as a hea...2023-04-0257 minTest Tubes and CauldronsEpisode 50: Incense Oils and PerfumesIn this episode, the hosts dive into the science of smell & the odiferous side of the occult Why is incense such a popular offering? Does an oil's odour reflect its properties? And what on earth does a saint smell like?! This episode features four case studies across different traditions to explore the seemingly-ubiquitous - but surprisingly diverse - role of fragrance in the occult. You can also expect to hear about science of smell & how odour can interplay with cognition.smell ya later xREFERENCES- Brief summary: the science of smell! // Sell...2023-03-1255 minTest Tubes and CauldronsEpisode 49: Conspiracy Theories & Magical ThinkingThis week the hosts dive into the intersection between conspiracy theories and the occult, all the way from the wacky to the outright terrifying. This episode explores the basis of the psychological concept ‘magical thinking’ and how it relates to spirituality, as well as how this mode of thinking might help or hinder one’s practice. It also features a discussion on why conspiracy theories are unfortunately so prevalent in the occult world, how to spot them, and the potential dangers they pose if left unchallenged. REFERENCES: - Some degree of magical thinking is normal: Peters...2023-02-0454 minTest Tubes and CauldronsEpisode 48: Sustainability in PracticeIn this episode, the hosts explore the crossover between spirituality and sustainability. What does it mean to build an environmentally sustainable spiritual practice? How have environmentalism and spirituality historically crossed paths? And why DO people keep burying jars, anyway? Join us this week for a topic very close to our hearts. Thanks to Kelsey from our Discord (https://discord.gg/kJthJyxTBc) for suggesting this episode. REFERENCES: Environmental challenges associated with vegan diets https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2019/jun/23/the-environmental-dangers-of-veganism && https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200211-why-the-vegan-diet-is-not-always-green Interactions and collaborations between environmenal scientists & local...2023-01-1557 minTest Tubes and CauldronsEpisode 47: Research in PracticeWe're baaaack! Please enjoy as Hanne, Astra and Fel expand and dive deep on research practices and how to incorporate what you've researched into practicality. And again, thank you all so much for your continued support.Check out our discord!: https://discord.gg/NfefwYePyPNotes:Owen Davies Grimoires: A History of MagickMagic in Medieval Manuscripts by Sophie Page and Esoteric ArchivesGrimoire archive: http://english.grimoar.cz/?Loc=aut&Lng=2&New=374Explaining p-values: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00031305.2019.15839132022-12-1950 minTest Tubes and CauldronsEpisode 46: Spirituality and Mental HealthIn this episode, the three hosts (Astra, Han and Fel) discuss personal experiences with as well as research surrounding spirituality and Mental Health, positive impacts, negative impacts and how the community discusses (or avoids discussing) it. Reminder: None of the hosts are mental health professionals, all advice is not a replacement for medical treatment.BIBLIOGRAPHY/RESOURCES:Nap MinistryThe role of religion and spirituality in mental healthMental Health, Religion, and SpiritualityAdvances in the conceptualization and measurement of religion and spirituality: Implications for physical and mental health research.2022-08-2058 minTest Tubes and CauldronsEpisode 45: Trees!It's another Fel and Han special today, with the hosts discussing a subject very dear to our collective hearts: Trees! In this episode, the hosts discuss how seemingly universal tree-lore is and why so many themes might be shared across cultures. We also explore the science behind how trees 'talk' to one another and how this fascinating phenomenon might translate to a spiritual context. Finally, prepare yourself for chaos as we test the definition of hedge witchcraft to its limit. hope you enjoyed us branching out this episode.For this episode, we drew heavily upon the books...2022-07-2445 minTest Tubes and CauldronsEpisode 44: Near Death Experiences & Other LiminalitiesTW: discussion of drug use in this episodeIn Part 2 of the Afterlives and Past Lives series, the hosts Astra, Hanne and Fel explore the mystifying and perhaps mystical world of near-death experiences. Tune in to hear our scientific deconstruction of what a near-death experience actually is, how they correspond to spiritual traditions across the globe, and how some of our personal experiences have shaped our attitudes towards death and the afterlife. BIBLIOGRAPHY/RESOURCES: -Tibetan Book Of The Dead - Near-death experiences might change your attitude to life: https://journals.sagepub...2022-06-1251 minTest Tubes and CauldronsEpisode 43: Asklepios and Healing Magic in Ancient GreeceIt's a Fel and Han takeover! This week, two of the hosts get together to discuss a synthesis of mysticism and medicine in the ancient world: the Cult of Asklepios. Tune in to hear about who Asklepios really was: the ascent of a revered medic to god-hero, his relationship to Paian Apollo, and his influence on the development of modern medicine via a cult that dominated the ancient world for centuries. Resources: • A timeline of Asklepios: https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/0003-4819-124-2-199601150-00011 • Medical historians the Edelsteins discuss the historical evid...2022-05-2949 minTest Tubes and CauldronsEpisode 42: Afterlives & Past Lives (Part 1)We’re delving into worlds unseen this episode, as we explore the various spiritual models of the afterlife, as well as how these models play a role in spiritual practice across the world. We also delve into the sticky world of ‘past life regressions’ and how much we can rely on testimonies like these.In part 2 (coming in 2 weeks!), join us for some more scientifically styled discussion on near-death experiences. RESOURCES:‘The Boy Who Came Back From Heaven’ https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2018/04/11/the-boy-who-came-back-from-heaven-now-wants-his-day-in-court/Decidedly dodgy studies discussing hypnosis to induce...2022-04-1255 minTest Tubes and CauldronsEpisode 41: Creatures & CryptidsThis week, Fel and Han drag Astra along for a riotous exploration of creatures, cryptids, and folklore. Is there any truth to these most mysterious of beasts? What kind of historical or scientific explanations might we have for cryptids? Is Bigfoot real?! Tune into this episode for our thoughts. RESOURCES Pliny’s Natural History: https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Plin.+Nat.+toc (A specific link to his dodgy explanation of other peoples can be found here mentions Blemmyae: https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus:text:1999.02.0137:book=5:chapter=8&hi...2022-03-2651 minTest Tubes and CauldronsEpisode 40: Superstitions, Folklore and MythIn this episode, the hosts (Hanne, Fel and Astra) take a step out of the hard sciences and into linguistics, sociology and psychology—pulling examples from history, personal experience and studies to try and find the differences (if there are any) between the three and why they might develop in the way they do.RESOURCES:The Story of Myth by Sarah Iles JohnstonWhat They Say in New England by Clifton JohnsonThe 'good luck' snack that makes Taiwan's technology behave, BBC: https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20210414-the-good-luck-snack-that-makes-taiwans-technology-behaveTh...2022-03-2153 minTest Tubes and CauldronsEpisode 39: Colo(u)rs Alongside a few spats over the appropriate spelling of colour (it does have a u), in this episode the hosts discuss all things bright and beautiful. We chat colour physics, biology, and how our cultural understanding of colours may be less solid than you think! We also examine how this interplays with occult ideas of ‘colour correspondences’ - Jung’s internal alchemy, The Golden Dawn, Feng Shui, and Kabbalah to name a few. RESOURCES:The human eye can ‘see’ infra-red: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/12/141201161116.htmAncient Greek statues - their true colours: https://ww...2022-03-0251 min
Test Tubes and CauldronsEpisode 38: The Cult of the MoonIt is no secret that witches across the world are fascinated with the moon both from pagan and witchy literature to its importance in ancient civilizations as the luminary that rules the popular monthly cycle. Join us for this weeks episode where we investigate the moons evolution from ancient society to modern times and discuss the science of the moons gravitational pull and how it controls the waters of earth among many, many other topics!*NOTE: We spoke on a wide range of belief systems, some of which we are unfamiliar with ourselves, so if we said...2022-02-2355 min
Test Tubes and CauldronsEpisode 37: A Dream is a Wish Your Heart...I Mean Brain MakesIn this episode, the hosts discuss the weird and wacky world of dreams. What kind of spiritual significance was historically assigned to dreams? How does one practice the mysterious art of oneiromancy? How does sleep work on a neurological level, and what even is a dream? Tune in to hear the hosts' thoughts, and strap in for our increasingly unhinged ramblings on the nature of consciousness. Goodnight, listeners!Happy Black History Month! Celebrate the underrated ingenuity of Black inventors with this book on African-American inventions: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0275966747?ie=UTF&tag=todayinsci-20&link_code...2022-02-1554 min
Test Tubes and CauldronsEpisode 36: You Asked and We Answered! (Q&A)We're back! In this episode, the hosts answer your questions. We discuss telepathy, how we met, stigma against occultism in the workplace, the intersection between science & spirituality in our practice, sins against cereal, and more...BOOKS WE RECOMMENDED:Entangled Life - Merlin SheldrakeBad Science and Bad Pharma - Ben GoldacreThe Hidden Life of Trees: Discoveries from a Secret World - Peter WohllebenThe Disappearing Spoon - Sam KeanE=mc^2: A Biography of the World’s Most Famous Equation - David BodanisImmune: A...2022-02-0753 minTest Tubes and CauldronsEpisode 35: The Practical Magick of Cycles with Olivia, the Witch of WonderlustA very happy Solstice to you all! In this episode, the hosts (Astra, Fel and Hanne) were joined by the wonderful Olivia (a.k.a. @thewitchofwonderlust) to discuss the role of cycles in spiritual practice. Which ones are useful, and which ones might be a little outdated? How do we adapt to cycles in a changing world? Tune in to hear us discuss a whole plethora of topics including calendars, climate change, lunar cycles, planetary magic, death cycles, mythology, alchemy...and (gasp!) even a little biochemistry...See more of Olivia here:instagram: @thewitchofwonderlust ...2021-12-2453 min
Test Tubes and CauldronsEpisode 34: The Mystery of AurasIn this episode, the hosts explore the topic of auras. Do they hail from an ancient spiritual tradition, or is the truth somewhat more…colourful? Do we have an existing explanation for why some people see auras? How does aura photography work? And how might we use & apply these ideas within an spiritual practice? Tune in this week to hear us discuss these topics and more.RESOURCES:Milán, E. G., Iborra, O., Hochel, M., et al. (2012). Auras in mysticism and synaesthesia: A comparison. Consciousness and Cognition, 21(1), 258-268.Albrecht, D. S., Mainero, C., Ich...2021-12-1849 min
Test Tubes and CauldronsEpisode 33: Buzzwords and the Underlying MisconceptionsHow often have you heard terms thrown around and thought they meant one thing only to realize within a specific space they mean something entirely different? While different meanings in specific fields is not a problem, a larger issue begins to arise when terms are misconstrued and taken from the original context and then expanded to try and fit additional concepts they aren't suited for. Join us in this episode as we talk about some common spiritual buzzwords like "quantum," "statistical significant," "microbiome," "patron," and more! Might be a good idea to grab some calming tea while you are...2021-12-1047 minTest Tubes and CauldronsEpisode 32: Occultist and Scientists - Jack Parsons, the Thelemic Father of Rocket ScienceWelcome back to the lab everyone! This week we are continuing are Occultists and Scientists series by discussing the thrilling and dangerous life of Jack Parsons. We’ve invited Georgina Rose, known as Da’at Darling across platforms to join us in discussing how Parsons passion for both Thelema and science impacted his life. Lots of super interesting information so grab some jet fuel for yourself and lets launch the episode!Resources:History of Solid-Propellant Rocketry: What We Do and Do Not Know: https://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/pdf/88635main_H-2330.pdfReli...2021-11-271h 08
Test Tubes and CauldronsEpisode 31: Ancestry, DNA, and Biological EssentialismIn this episode hosts Astra, Fel, and Han explore ancestry, the importance of DNA in determining eligibility to participate in closed practices and other traditions alongside issues of biological essentialism. Do DNA tests such as 23 & Me actually give you accurate and useable data? If so, how, if at all, does that translate to occult practices? Or is a practice defined by the spirituality of location and not through biological inheritance?Want to discuss these topics with us more? Join the discord here: https://discord.gg/kJthJyxTBcResources:Low Coverage of Whole Genome Sequencing...2021-11-201h 03Test Tubes and CauldronsEpisode 30: Astral ProjectionIn this episode, we explore the torrid and confusing history of astral projection. From its origins in mystic thought all the way down to its use as a magical tool - what is astral projection & how did we reach today’s understanding? Tune in to hear how the concept of the astral ‘body of light’ was born, and how it evolved in the midst of cultural fetishisation and the development of modern physics. We also discuss how out-of-body experiences might be explained by science.Come discuss your thoughts on our discord! https://discord.gg/kJthJyxTBcOn Neo...2021-11-131h 07Test Tubes and CauldronsEpisode 29: The Science Behind the ClairsThis week, the hosts explore the concept of ‘clairs’, terms used to differentiate all sorts of diverse psychic experience. From Jainism to Spiritualism, second sight to seances, psychic experiences have been a core tenet of the occult and spirituality for thousands of years. But how well do these historical accounts line up with our modern definition of ‘clairs’, and is there any benefit to viewing these experiences through a scientific lens?Link to our discord! https://discord.gg/kJthJyxTBcResources:1998 (dodgy!) meta-analysis assessing studies on clairvoyance and precognition: Steinkamp, F., Milton, J., & Morris, R. L. (1...2021-11-061h 07Test Tubes and CauldronsEpisode 28: Ghosts!Happy Samhain! This week we discuss ghosts, what they are, if they differ from spirits, and how their descriptions have varied across cultures and centuries. Is the way we currently view ghosts different than in the past and if so what has influenced the change? Be sure to tune in to the end as well where we share some of our own ghost stories or frightening paranormal experiences!Link to our discord! https://discord.gg/kJthJyxTBcResources:High Energy Ghosts: https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007%2F978-3-030-28902-7_6The...2021-10-301h 06
Test Tubes and CauldronsEpisode 27: Intuition and Deja VuThis week hosts Astra, Han, and Fel dissect the science behind intuition and deja vu! Do these experiences have a scientific mechanism behind them and if so, what is it and how does it work? Or are they as mystical and immeasurable as people like to claim? Plenty of questions to answer and a few funny interludes (hint, we talk about some hilarious quantum findings)...grab some tea and pop into the lab....or come back? Do you get the feeling this has happened before?Link to our discord! https://discord.gg/kJthJyxTBcResources:2021-10-2255 min
Test Tubes and CauldronsCase Study #2: Magick, Metallurgy, and Medicine in the Medieval PeriodWelcome back to the laboratory and to the second season of the podcast! This week hosts Astra, Fel, and Han travel back to medieval times and discuss magick during a time of heavy catholic influence, metallurgy, and medicine among many other topics including influential scientists, occultists, leech books, witch hunts!A delightful historical concoction to explore that won't blow your head off.Social Media Links:Discord: https://discord.gg/kJthJyxTBcInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/testtubesandcauldrons/Resources:The Genius of Medieval Science: https://www.historyextra.com/period...2021-10-1538 minTest Tubes and CauldronsEpisode 25: Let's Talk About BiasTune in for our last episode of season one! We'll be back in about a month, though, so don't fret it.Bias is human and helps us make decisions, but it can also hold us back and lead to some very serious ramifications. Tune in to the three hosts (Astra, Hanne and Fel) to discuss bias, what kinds of bias exist and how it shows up in both the occult and scientific community.Links:Discord: https://discord.gg/kJthJyxTBcInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/testtubesandcauldrons/2021-09-1050 min
Test Tubes and CauldronsEpisode 24: The Poison PathPoisons are a natural wonder and phenomena, one that should be handled with care, but have so much use within and outside of the occult. Yet, as with many things falling under the umbrella of left hand path, it is often demonized, seen as dark, ill-willed, and incapable of doing good. Join the hosts today as we discuss what the poison path is, misconceptions surrounding it, and how it actually requires having a hand in the benevolent and baneful realms.Come discuss in our Discord! https://discord.gg/kJthJyxTBcResources:Articles and Papers:2021-09-0352 min
Test Tubes and CauldronsEpisode 23: Spiritual Shower Thoughts Pt. 3Do goldfish have spirituality? What are the correspondences of genetically modified ingredients? Are color correspondences different for people who are color blind? What if we could see beyond the visible spectrum? Join us for our third installment of the spiritual shower thoughts series where we dive into crazy spiritual questions, but this week....under the influence of mugwort! We get a little loose in this episode, but that's what made it fun!Come discuss in our discord! https://discord.gg/kJthJyxTBc2021-08-2948 min
Test Tubes and CauldronsEpisode 22: Occultist and Scientists - Emanuel Swedenborg, the ProdigyWelcome back to the lab! In this episode the hosts dig into a hidden influential scientist turned mystic who had a huge impact on both our understanding of modern-day science and traditional witchcraft practices. Emanuel Swedenborg was a prodigy and striking example of a renaissance man with varying interests. He was the first to propose the proto-neuron theory, the structure of an atom nearly a century before its discovery and coined the term correspondence that is so widely used within the spiritual community today.We fell across Swedenborg during a previous episode and found him incredibly fascinating...2021-08-1345 minTest Tubes and CauldronsEpisode 21: Entheogens & SpiritualityThe three hosts (Astra, Fel and Hanne) discuss the science and history of entheogens in spiritual practices, how scholarship has changed and how it differs from other trance inducing practices. A general content warning for this episode, there will be a discussion surrounding drug use and its effects.Come join our discord! https://discord.gg/kJthJyxTBcResources:Effects of Ayahuascahttps://www.imperial.ac.uk/news/193993/ayahuasca-compound-changes-brainwaves-vivid-waking-dream/Speculative ethnobotanical perspectives on the Norse berserkershttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31404578/The “Vine of the Soul” vs...2021-08-0753 min
Test Tubes and CauldronsEpisode 20: Science and the Occult Through the Ages: The Classical EraWelcome to the first episode of our new series where we take a look at the relationship between science and the occult through the ages. In this episode we take a look at the Classical Era, contemplating the words and ideas of many influential philosophers such as Thales, Anaximenes, Aristotle, Pythagorus, and Empedocles, and many more! We touch upon fundamental theories of how the world works such as the elemental theory, the cosmic cycle of Empedocles, and the humors, which played a key role in the development of medicine (by arguably doing most things wrong).There are...2021-07-2348 min
Test Tubes and CauldronsEpisode 19: Tech Witchcraft with Warrior Witch NikeIn the modern era, spirituality seems to have an overarching idea that technology inhibits one's ability to do magick. While the buzzing of notifications and constant flow of information can be a distraction to many people during ritual, that doesn't mean it is inherently bad or not useful in our practices! This week, the hosts are joined by Warrior Witch Nike to discuss tech magick, what it is, ways to use it, and some common misconceptions this paradigm often encounters!Come join our discord! https://discord.gg/kJthJyxTBcResources:Technomancy Blog: https://technomancy101...2021-07-161h 08
Test Tubes and CauldronsEpisode 18: Psychics and the Paranormal!Science and mysticism have been intertwined for centuries, but in many ways, science has also been used to perpetuate bogus spiritual experiences by charlatans and grifters within the spiritual and spirit community. Ghost hunters use thermal energies and electro-magnetic devices to decipher spirit interactions and charlatans used a wide variety of tricks to prove their abilities including magnets to show telekinesis among others! In this episode we touch on psychics, the paranormal, and scientific validity of both and the potential issues these can pose for our community.Come join our discord! https://discord.gg/kJthJyxTBc...2021-07-101h 11
Test Tubes and CauldronsEpisode 17: Words and SymbolsSymbols have an important role in the development of language throughout the centuries from hieroglyphics to the alphabets we know today, but within the occult community they also take on other meanings. Join the hosts as they talk about the science behind words and symbols in the occult. How accurate is the suggestion that a sigil is most effective when you destroy and forget? Is it possible to ever truly forget? Get lost in the murky waters of the unknown with us because its complicated.Come join our discord! https://discord.gg/kJthJyxTBcResources:2021-07-0347 min
Test Tubes and CauldronsEpisode 16: Chaos Magic and New Paradigms with Kapt! We are delighted to welcome a close friend of ours to the podcast for this episode! Kapt is a chaote, planetary magician, yoga instructor, and fantastic astrologer who was willing to sit down and talk to us about chaos magic. We discuss its origins, some of the key tenets, ways to go about engaging in this eclectic tradition and common misconceptions about chaos magic in the witchcraft community. Grab a drink and sit for a spell as we discuss philosophy and experimentation within this paradigm!Come join our discord! https://discord.gg/kJthJyxTBcResources:2021-06-2845 min
Test Tubes and CauldronsEpisode 15: Spiritual Shower Thoughts Pt. 2Our last shower thoughts episode was quite popular (and we had a blast recording it), so we figured we'd do a second one with some thoughts we weren't able to talk about last time. The hosts discuss the possibilities of animals practicing magick, what happens when you eat a binding spell, whether or not you can work with the genius loci of certain architectures or large scale structures like a subways and more! Lots of fun discussion, so pop into the lab and join us!Come join our discord! https://discord.gg/kJthJyxTBc2021-06-1856 min
Test Tubes and CauldronsEpisode 14: Divination and AstrologyFirst recording during Mercury retrograde and it was a doozy, but thanks to Fel for cleaning it up and producing a great episode! This week the hosts discuss divination, its history, some of our favorite types, and how we use it in our own practice. We also touch upon the scientific validity of divination and astrology by looking into some specific studies. Grab your teacup and join us at the table for an enlightening discussion!Come join our discord! https://discord.gg/kJthJyxTBcReferences and ResourcesDivinationM. Fortes Thesis on...2021-06-111h 01
Test Tubes and CauldronsEpisode 13: The Low Frequency Truth of Vibrations The terms frequency and vibration are thrown around a lot in the witchcraft community, especially amongst New Age practitioners, to describe people in certain states, explain the magical properties of crystals, and suggest that by controlling these frequencies we can reach our highest self. The hosts take on this topic and attempt to explain what these terms actually are, how we empirically measure them, and address their misconceptions in magic. This is going to be a fun one, so grab a wine glass and bring it to the lab where we'll try to break it with the resonant frequency! ;)2021-06-041h 01
Test Tubes and CauldronsEpisode 12: What IS New Age Anyways? In this episode, the hosts discuss the New Age Movement, its origins, history, and evolution over time in addition to common practices within that are scientifically unsound. The definition of "new age" is incredibly hard to pin down, but hopefully this provides some useful insights!Come join our discord! https://discord.gg/kJthJyxTBcResources from the episode:Perspectives on the New Age: https://archive.org/details/perspectivesonne0000unse_m6u6/page/n5/mode/2upCategory Formation and History of the New Age: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/01438300302814The...2021-05-281h 14
Test Tubes and CauldronsEpisode 11: Ways of Knowing - Ontology and Epistemology in the Occult with Ruby!We are delighted to welcome our first guest to the podcast - Ruby is a Scottish folk practitioner and solitary Wiccan pursuing a career in occupational therapy. Ruby joins the hosts to talk about epistemology, ontology, and the different ways of knowing and how this relates to the occult. We discuss different paradigms and how they fit into different traditions and discuss our own thoughts from our personal practices! Grab those spectacles and some coffee because its time to get philosophical!Come join our discord! https://discord.gg/kJthJyxTBc2021-05-211h 20
Test Tubes and CauldronsEpisode 10: Built for Divinity? Humanity and divinity go back centuries and it leads to the classic philosophical debate of which came first - humans or the divine? Do we have an innate lure and connection to the divine and is there a biological basis for the strong beliefs people have? Religions have been created, destroyed, and transformed through the ages as integral parts of our society all with the desire to connect to something larger than ourselves. Join the hosts as they discuss this from a scientific point of view and ponder if such a connection is quantifiable!Come join our...2021-05-141h 07
Test Tubes and CauldronsEpisode 9: Spiritual Shower Thoughts! One of the best parts about spirituality is being able to make your practice your own and people are incredibly creative when it comes to spellwork! In this episode, the hosts discuss some wacky spiritual shower thoughts like whether bacteria have spirits., can you do plant necromancy on your furniture, or whether spirits evolve over time. It's going to be a great time - so grab a drink from our bubbling cauldron and join us for a wild ride!Come join our discord! https://discord.gg/kJthJyxTBc2021-05-0758 min
Test Tubes and CauldronsEpisode 8: Double, Double, Toil and Trouble Pt. 2Last week the hosts discussed herbalism through a scientific lense, but it plays a very key role in the practice of many pagans, witches, and some occultists. Hosts Astra, Hanne, and Fel discuss herbalism from a magical point of view - discussing how herbs are commonly used within magic and their own practices.Come join our discord! https://discord.gg/kJthJyxTBcResources:Drug interactions due to grapefruit juice: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17077528/Pharmacologic effects of lactone: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/19889337Protoanemonin in plants: https://www.sciencedirect...2021-04-3057 min
Test Tubes and CauldronsEpisode 7: Double, Double, Toil and Trouble Pt. 1There is a constant discourse between herbalist and the scientific community...neither of which seem to see the side of another, but is there a place for herbalism within healing? Hosts Astra, Hanne, and Fel discuss what herbalism is and the place they feel is should occupy within the scientific world of drug development. What are the benefits and limitations of herbalism vs. synthetics? Fair warning, this episode goes deep into some science, but it's fascinating stuff!Come join our discord! https://discord.gg/kJthJyxTBcResources:Derivation of drugs from natural products (NPs...2021-04-2357 min
Test Tubes and CauldronsEpisode 6: Meditation and Mindfulness...what do we actually know? In this episode we explore meditation and mindfulness from a scientific point of view. What is meditation and mindfulness and how are they distinguished? Is there any physiological basis behind those practices and what is the current research on this topic? Unfortunately, the answers to these questions aren't as simple as they might appear! Grab a beaker full of coffee and let's discuss!Come join our discord! https://discord.gg/kJthJyxTBc2021-04-1659 min
Test Tubes and CauldronsEpisode 5: Don't be an Idiot! The discussion of safety in witchcraft is neglected, but extremely important! Hosts Astra, Hanne, and Fel discuss the different realms of safety within the craft, suggestions, warnings, why crystals shouldn't go into water, dosing of salves and tinctures, and cross reactions of herbs with prescription drugs among other topics. We also touch upon some of our own "oops" moments to show that we all need these reminders!Come join our discord! https://discord.gg/kJthJyxTBcSources/Resources:Cross-reactions of herbs: https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/pdf/10.1055/s-0031-1298331.pdf (this is a...2021-04-091h 10
Test Tubes and CauldronsEpisode 4: The Magic of Research!In this episode we talk about research in multiple facets! How do we define it scientifically and can we apply a similar rigor to our occult research? We talk about the different types of sources, their reliability, and our own personal tips on how to be an effective researcher. Try not to crush any glassware under that stack of books!*Apologies for some mic feedback - we were in a different recording location this week!Come join our discord! https://discord.gg/kJthJyxTBcSince this episode is mostly opinion, we have opted to...2021-04-0253 min
Test Tubes and CauldronsEpisode 3: If It Happens In Your Head...Is It Real? Join the hosts as they discuss the placebo effect in magick! We cover what placebos and nocebos are, how blinded trials work and why they are useful in study design. The hosts touch upon areas of magick they consider to be placebo effects and discuss why. Do you think the placebo effect plays a role in magick? Let us know where!Come join our discord! https://discord.gg/kJthJyxTBcResources from the episode:Pill color and drug efficacy: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2359128/Cultural effects on the...2021-03-2550 min
Test Tubes and CauldronsEpisode 2: Shadow Work in the OccultJoin us as we talk about shadow work...where it came from, how it became popular, and the cultural and scientific issues with the term and application of the practice.References/ResourcesBias of Carl Jung Toward Eastern Spiritual Practices: https://taileaters.com/depth-psychology/jungs-bias-toward-spiritual-practices-of-the-east/Gnosticism and Individuation: https://www.jstor.org/stable/27510698?seq=1Limitations of Psychoanalysis in treatment of mental illness:https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdfdirect/10.1002/wps.20235https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0272735811001863?via%3Dihubhttps://journals.lww.com/hrpjournal...2021-03-191h 00
Test Tubes and CauldronsEpisode 1: Fact or Fiction? Welcome to our first episode of Test Tubes and Cauldrons, a podcast where we talk about the science behind spirituality! In this episode, the hosts discuss whether attempting to view spirituality through a scientific lens lessens the magical nature of it. Hop into the discussions with us as we talk and try not to blow up a test tube or two!Come join our discord! https://discord.gg/kJthJyxTBcBooks/References Mentioned:The Basic Code of the Universe: The Science of the Invisible in Physics, Medicine, and Spirituality by Massimo Citro (Astra)2021-03-0748 min
Tae Kwon Don't: The Shame ChroniclesEpisode 13 - Tampon Regimen(t)It's Mel's golden birthday! We talk about leap birthdays, and the scientific questions that we might be able answer by studying twins born into different years or astralogical signs. We talk about menstrual songs, some movies we've seen recently, and some phrases in other languages that might come in handy in a specific situation. Kyle gets confirmation (from a completely unbiased source) that "manners" guy was in the wrong. And, Steven continues to provide us limitless conversation topics.2012-04-291h 20