Douglas Batchelor - Podcast Details

Shows

The AP Strange ShowThinking Magically with Douglas BatchelorDouglas Batchelor of the What Magic Is This? podcast brings his wealth of knowledge and perspective to the show for a rather philosophical discussion about the weirdness out there in the world and how that's actually a pretty cool thing. He and AP get into the nitty gritty of what constitutes intellect, truth, and belief; fictional realities and how they relate to magical and material reality; approaches to magic and initiation, important books, World Peace, and more!Douglas is an amazing voice and champion for all things magical, and you are highly encouraged to check out...2024-12-151h 18

VayseVYSXXXX | The Real Vayse: Halloween 2024Since October 2023, Vayse HQ has been regularly receiving mysterious, confusing and unsettling emails, seemingly from all over the world, all hinting towards the same impossible conclusion. In this episode the Vayse boys launch an investigation into where these weird communications might be coming from and who might be behind them with a little help and a lot of expertise from some familiar and very welcome faces: Douglas Batchelor, Darragh Mason, Sequoyah Kennedy, Joseph Matheny, Stephanie Quick and AP Strange. The deeper they dig, the more they find themselves falling down rabbit holes within rabbit holes within rabbit...2024-10-302h 19

Hi, StrangenessDouglas Batchelor: What Magic Is This?This week, I have the fantastic Douglas Batchelor, from the What Magic Is This Podcast! Douglas shares with us how he got into magic, his love of jazz, the enchantment of the world around us, UFOs, what his personal magical practice looks like, the importance of set and set and a whole lot more. If you've never heard his podcast, well then, you are in for a treat because it's just absolutely amazing. He is without a doubt at a PHd level of occult history, and talks about these topics with such clarity, and without an ounce of pretension...2024-07-091h 59

Lux Occult76. Fairies, Faith, & The Phenomena w/ Douglas BatchelorDouglass Batchelor of the ‘What Magic is This?’ podcast https://whatmagicisthis.com/ joins Luxa https://linktr.ee/LuxaStrata for a discussion about the phenomena and the conversations surrounding government disclosure about “non-human intelligences”, etc. from a perspective which is informed by an occult or magical practice. What does it look like when a new religion is being born? Who might benefit? What’s really going on with the strange lights we’ve been seeing in the sky throughout human history? These topics and more are explored. Douglass, being an occultist and life-long enthusiast (and experiencer) of the phenomena has done extensi...2024-02-091h 48

Spirit BoxS2 #28 / Douglas Batchelor 'Coming back into Wilderness'For episode 28 of season 2 we welcome back the noble and scholarly Douglas Batchelor of the What Magic is This? A podcast for those curious about Magic, the Occult, Witchcraft, the Esoteric, the Paranormal and the Supernatural. Douglas has been doing sorcery and magic for close to 20 years. And has a wealth of knowledge and experience. Today we focus on how his practice and areas of interest have changed since his recent move to the west coast of Canada. And we discuss his recent patreon show on Isobel Gowdie, his remarkable memory and his ability to communicate complex ideas. The...2023-11-211h 03

Hopscotch Chronicles Podcast with Dominic ValléeDouglas Batchelor: The Art and Science of Having Fun Doing Weird Sh*tIn this friendly exchange, Douglas Batchelor tells us about his personal views on magic and a bit on his personal practices. We also explore the notion of (free?) will, its place in magical application and in discarnate entities. Plus, Douglas recounts his "scrying using an iPad's screen" experience!*** ABOUT DOUGLAS ***Mostly known for being the creator and the host of the What Magic is This? podcast, Douglas Batchelor has been practicing magic for the last 20 years. Although his personal practices are centred in, quote, « goetic, necromantic nigromancy, with flourishes of greco-egyptian shenanigans », his...2023-11-161h 37

Black Hoodie Alchemy65: Magick in Practice & Application (feat. Douglas Batchelor of 'What Magic is This?')Welcome back to Black Hoodie Alchemy! This week I have another special returning guest: good ol' Douglas Batchelor of the 'What Magic is This?' podcast, and we're following up our chat in BHA #54, where we discussed Magick in History & Modern Day. For those unfamiliar, Douglas is a researcher and magician that is as talented as he is cheerful and humble, and his podcast has many impressive, insightful guests that are well worth your listen! But this time around on BHA, we are hacking through the weeds of the less traveled trails of esoterica! What does it...2023-10-191h 52

VayseVYS0027 | Batchelor of Dark Arts - Vayse to Face with Douglas Batchelor Pt. 2VYS0027 | Batchelor of Dark Arts - Vayse to Face with Douglas Batchelor Pt. 2 - Show Notes This is the second part of a two part interview - if you haven't yet listened to the first part, give it a listen before you dive into part two. *You can find part one here: * VYS0026 | It's a Wand-erful Life - Vayse to Face with Douglas Batchelor Pt. 1 Thanks to Doug for making it through 3 hours of Vayse interrogation and thanks as always to Keith for the show notes! In the second...2023-09-201h 11

VayseVYS0026 | It's a Wand-erful Life - Vayse to Face with Douglas Batchelor Pt. 1VYS0026 | It's a Wand-erful Life - Vayse to Face with Douglas Batchelor Pt. 1 - Show Notes Hine and Buckley are back for the first episode of season 2 and they've brought Douglas Batchelor along with them! Doug is the host and creator of the incomparable What Magic is This? - a podcast about Magic, the Occult, the Esoteric, the Paranormal, the Supernatural and the Weird and surely the single most frequently mentioned magical resource throughout the first season of Vayse. In the first part of this two-part, slightly giddy interview, the roots of Doug's magical life are revealed...2023-09-131h 28

Deeper Down The Rabbit HoleS7E8: Insight & Stories With What Magic is This? Podcaster Douglas BatchelorJoin Andrieh Vitimus, Zachary Lui, and Douglas Batchelor from the What Magic is This? podcast. In this episode, we will explore Douglas’s experience as a podcaster and discuss his stories practicing Western Cermonial Magick. You won’t want to miss this engaging conversation, so be sure to tune in. --- Subscribe to Queen City Curio and Apothecary VideoCast YT: @ QueenCityCurioandApothecaryVideoCast/ Apple: https://apple.co/3Arnw07 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3ARgMKj ----- Connect with Queen City Curio and Apothecary & Deeper Down The Rabbit Hole LEARN...2023-05-261h 13

Some Other SphereEpisode 68 - Douglas Batchelor - Practicing MagicMy guest for this episode is Douglas Batchelor. Douglas is a practicing magician and creator of the ‘What Magic is this?’ podcast where he discusses and explores a range of occult and Fortean topics with curious friends and guests. It’s both informative, engaging and fun - listening to an episode feels like being part of laid back but enthusiastic tutorial on the esoteric. In the interview I talk with Douglas about the beginnings of his interest in magic, and how his practice of it has changed and evolved as time has gone on. We also talked about som...2021-10-271h 06

What Magic Is This?Three Books of Occult Philosophy with Wren Collier and Eric PurdueIf Western Magic is to have one document that many consider to be foundational and essential- that would be the Three Books of Occult Philosophy by Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa. The Three Books are Agrippa's attempt to synthesize magic with religion, going from the natural world to the celestial world and beyond. Joining the discussion on this extremely important text is someone who has understood the importance of Three Books well- Wren Collier, and the man who single-handedly produced the first English translation of Three Books in nearly 400 years- Eric Purdue!2021-09-301h 51

What Magic Is This?GoetiaSay the word Goetia and what comes to mind for many a magician is the summoning of Demons from the pits of hell. Yet many magicians are unaware from where the word Goetia came from but also what Goetia actually was. In this Episode of WMiT?, we go through the origins of Goetia as an ancient Greek tributary funeral practice, how the meaning of Goetia changed in the Renaissance and to the document that most people know the word from- The Ars Goetia, a very unique Grimoire. You've been summoned.2021-08-311h 38

What Magic Is This?Hoodoo with Tayannah Lee McQuillarHoodoo is a name given (somewhat unwillingly) to a culture, tradition and inheritance that arose due to a very special circumstance. This was the intersection of Indigenous, African and European culture and beliefs that occurred in South Eastern America. There are many things which arose out of this circumstance such as a Botanical knowledge of the areas in which these peoples found themselves, a special kind of spirituality, and much much more. There are many concepts of Hoodoo which require closer investigation, and joining WMiT? to help in this regard is Author, Rootworker and creator of The Hoodoo Tarot...2021-08-191h 42

What Magic Is This?The Kybalion with Nicholas ChapelOne of the most popular and purchased Occult Books of the last 100 years, perhaps the most purchased Occult book ever- is The Kybalion. Purported to be the work of the Three Initiates and the transcendent knowledge of the sage of Hermeticism Hermes Trismegistus, the Kybalion is a text that for many has been their introduction into the world of the unknown and Occult. But is the Kybalion all that is says it is? Are there things about this text that need to be considered before and after one reads it? On this Episode of WMiT? we are joined by...2021-08-071h 16

What Magic Is This?Modern Witchcraft with Emma KathrynWhat does it take to call oneself a "Witch" these days? Are there certain things one must do, things that need to be believed, practices that need to be practiced? Or has Witchcraft really become so egalitarian that pretty much anything goes? Most people's conceptions of witchcraft are fairly modern conceptions, and many of the stories about the History of the Witch are myths. Is this a good thing, a bad thing, or just the way things go inevitably? To help out and give some guidance and direction for where one's witchcraft should situate itself these days, WMiT? is...2021-07-201h 10

What Magic Is This?The Life and Ideas of Wilhelm Reich with Dan LoweOne of the most controversial and downright confounding figures of 20th Century Science and Psychotherapy, was Wilhelm Reich. It was Reich's conjecture that he had discovered a powerful force that pervades not only all life here on earth, but also the cosmos as well. Reich called it Orgone, and it was the primary, sexual force of life. His views and research however has been met with obloquy and derision at every turn. In this episode, I am joined by Dan Lowe to go through the life and ideas of this oft maligned, yet fascinating figure.2021-07-091h 41

What Magic Is This?Hermeticism with Erik & Sam Part IIWithout a doubt, one moment that pretty much everyone is in agreement is absolutely seminal to the Occult, is when in 1471 Marcilio Ficino published the Corpus Hermeticum which he had recently translated. This triggered an explosion within Esoteric thought at the time, but also still right up to today. Finally, Hermeticism was something we could point a finger at and say that it was important. Since the publication, Hermeticism has had its ups and downs, but one thing is for sure- it is not going away any time soon. In this concluding episode, Erik Arneson and Sam Block go...2021-06-251h 41

What Magic Is This?Hermeticism with Erik & Sam Part IOne word which gets used everywhere and almost as a substitute for Esoteric Thought and Philosophy- is Hermeticism. But what exactly is it and how did it come about? Is it a religion? A Philosophy? What was it all about? Our understanding of Hermeticism through time has changed vastly, much of the obscurity has been cleared up only within the last 100 years. In this, the first of a Two-Part series, I am joined by Erik Arneson and Sam Block to get to the bottom of the birth of Hermeticism and what it meant as it was originally conceived.2021-06-181h 46

What Magic Is This?SatanismTwo words that are never far away in the english-speaking word are both "Satan" and "Satanism." While many have ideas as to what both represent, much of the obscurity has been lifted from the philosophical beliefs that make up Satanism. Although there were a few groups and people that we could say were Satanic before the 20th century, Satanism as we all know it now is less than 60 years old. Based around the ideas of one man in particular, since its inception Satanism and ideas of what Satanists get up to has never been out of the public imagination...2021-05-311h 15

What Magic Is This?Self-Transformation with Darragh MasonMany people that approach Magic for the first time are doing so because they believe that Magic has the ability to change them, usually for the better. Self-Transformation has been both a part as well as an ambition for a vast amount of us, but how exactly does one go about it? Most of us feel stuck somehow, that there are things about us that we'd like to change. Can Magic help with this, or does turning to Magic for something transformative in a way miss the point? Joining in this discussion is the Host of Spirit Box Podcast...2021-05-211h 52

Spirit Box#60 / Douglas Batchelor, finding your wayFor episode 60 we are joined by the charming Douglas Batchelor, a Magician and host of the wonderful ‘What Magic is This?’ podcast. I hugely enjoyed this show, it was great to chat with Douglas and we really got into his journey into magick and what it has meant to him. We also dug into how the show came about and what the driving goal behind the it is about and the contribution Douglas’s ancestors have made to the direction of the podcast. We discuss the healing and self development aspects of sorcery but most import...2021-05-1458 min

What Magic Is This?Sex Magic with Luxa StrataBeyond a doubt, the most listener requested show up to this point. Seemingly everybody has their own take on Sex Magic. And why not?! For something as personal and important as sex, particularly when applied to a ritual or spell-based context, the topic itself is one that draws fascination as well as controversy. In this wonderful episode of WMiT? we are joined by the always luminous Luxa Strata of Lux Occult Podcast to hash out as much as possible our understandings of Sex Magic as we can! You asked for it.2021-05-121h 56

What Magic Is This?Cunning Folk with Aerinn HodgesIn recent years, more and more attention has been directed at a somewhat neglected tradition of Magic- The Cunning Folk. Otherwise known as White Witches, they were known for providing many functions and needs all over Europe for a time. Divination, blessing, curse-breaking, dreams, conjuring of spirits, potions and much more were just some of the tools in their magical arsenal. They fulfilled many roles for those whom they served, for a price of course. In this Episode of WMiT? we are joined by The Wise Woman of Bushwick Avenue, Aerinn Hodges!2021-04-281h 22

What Magic Is This?John DeeSay the words Magician, Occultist and Angel Magic and one name comes immediately to mind - Dr. John Dee. About as close as England has ever come to producing a real life Wizard, Dee is one of the most scrutinized, analyzed and obsessed over figures of the 16th century. Blazingly brilliant at Mathematics, Astronomy and Astrology in his own time, he is known mostly nowadays for a particular segment of his life. For less than a decade, Dee and a questionable figure by the name of Edward Kelley would converse with what they believed to be nothing less than...2021-04-141h 16

This Podcast is a RitualHow to Talk About Magic (w/ Douglas Batchelor of What Magic is This?)A meta-magical conversation about how to wrap our humble human words around the raw magic of the universe with the Neil deGrasse Tyson of modern magic, Douglas Batchelor, host of the What Magic is This? podcast! Tune into What Magic is This?'s vibrations at: https://whatmagicisthis.com/ Become a Friend of the Wizard and get bonus content at: www.patreon.com/thispodcastisaritual Or like, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen to this podcast!2021-04-131h 26

What Magic Is This?Wizards! with a Wizard!Instantly recognizable; you know a Wizard when you see one. Not only by appearance- Beards, older, white hair but also by the items associated with them- Robes, pointed hat, staff and old books. There is seemingly something archetypal about the wizard, which literally means "One who is Wise." These days, the Wizard ranks among some of the most beloved characters in books, films, art and more. In this Episode of WMiT?, we are joined by a real life Wizard Devin Person, to go through why the Wizard is a cultural touchstone in every way.2021-03-311h 46

What Magic Is This?The Ancients & The Stars with Amaya RourkeThrough the vastness of time, one thing we've all had in common was the sky, especially that of the night sky. The Stars, Moon and planets have meant many different things to our Ancestors. Many saw the cosmic dance these celestial bodies followed as an integral part of not only their Myths or Cosmology but having real agency in our lives and in events here on earth. There is much magic in the stars, and to discuss as well as elucidate such things is my guest for this episode, Amaya Rourke!2021-03-201h 27

What Magic Is This?Christianity & Magic with Rev. Michael LuxTo many the words "Christianity" and "Magic" should be like oil and water. For most Christians, the Occult is strictly forbidden; a dalliance with the dark forces of Satan. For Occultists, Christianity is the great adversary; always seeking to destroy and do away with those who use Magic of any form. Yet these dichotomies are somewhat new and it has not always been so easy to seperate. Much of the nuance has been lost, but luckily over the last 15 years, many of those into Magic and Witchcraft have begun the process of reexamining these complex ideas. Joining this episode...2021-03-101h 19

What Magic Is This?Lucid DreamingWe all dream. Yet sometimes, while we are dreaming we become conscious of the fact that it is almost as if we are in the dream; we realize that we are active in our thoughts and actions. This is Lucid Dreaming, the ability to be aware while in a dream state. Most people have had at least one Lucid dream, others can lucid dream in great detail and frequently. In this episode of WMiT? we tackle this odd phenomenon which has massive possibilities for the study of consciousness. Joining the show is a returning guest from the Dreams episode...2021-02-271h 20

What Magic Is This?Rock & Roll & The OccultHolmes & Watson. Salt & Pepper. Hell, even Sturm und Drang- there are some classic combinations in this world. Rock 'n Roll & The Occult just seems natural. Although a relatively recent musical form, less than a century, the dalliances of the diabolical with Rock music were there nearly from the beginning. The combination of drums, guitars and a hollering vocals seem the very thing that the Occult offers in some way as well- Powerful, animal, and emotive. Yet the story of Rock and the Occult has been told many times before by many people. In this Episode of WMiT we examine...2021-02-161h 56

What Magic Is This?Grimoires with Alexander CumminsKept safe in many Special Collections around the world are very odd and very special Books. They are filled with interesting content- Invocations, Evocations, Prayers, Spells as well as odd diagrams. These are Grimoires- A Magician's textbook and are used for many purposes such as divination, crafting talismans, herbs and stones, as well as how to summon Demons, Angels, Spirits and other entities. Joining this episode to discuss these fascinating and incredible documents is the Scholar, Author and Modern Cunning Man Dr. Alexander Cummins!2021-01-301h 48

What Magic Is This?Astrology with Becca TarnasWithout a doubt, the last 5 years has seen a resurgence of interest in the Celestial Art of Astrology. At base, Astrology is looking at the positions of celestial bodies like the planets and stars, in order to divine information relevant to the past, the present and the future. A discipline unto itself, to say that Astrology was important in ages past is a vast understatement. On this episode of WMiT? we are joined by Scholar, Author and Consulting Astrologer Dr. Becca Tarnas, whose views and eloquence on Astrology are both breathtaking and informative. For those who are weary or...2021-01-191h 40

The Creativity and Consciousness Podcast with Jake Kobrin#47 - Douglas Batchelor - What Magic is This?Episode #47 is with Douglas Batchelor who has the excellent podcast What Magic is This? (which, evidently, was one of my most listened to podcasts of 2020.) We talked about - ta da! Magic. All things magic. What is magic, what are implications, how does it work, etc. It’s my favorite subject besides art and you won’t be disappointed by this podcast. Check out more about Douglas and his podcast here: https://whatmagicisthis.com/2021-01-1353 min

What Magic Is This?Austin Osman SpareStarting off the New Year with a Titan of Magic. Austin Osman Spare means many things to many people. For some, he was an extremely talented Artist whose antisocial behaviour and unwillingness to compromise left him forgotten by the art world. For others, he is the grandfather of sigil magic; a fiercely independent occultist who came up with his own system of magic which was considered revolutionary long after he passed away. Chances are we will never get the full story of the magic of Austin Osman Spare, but we are able to look back and see that his...2021-01-071h 46

What Magic Is This?The Luminous Mind of Jeffrey KripalIf you dismiss the humanities, you dismiss the prophets among you... Perhaps no other contemporary figure's ideas are brought up more in WMiT? than Dr. Jeffrey Kripal. His work is the stuff which fuels much of my thinking about the paranormal, the supernatural and extraordinary experience. Always with a comparative eye, Dr. Kripal not only looks into the past and the present, but also has his gaze fixed on the future; on what could be awaiting us if we only allow ourselves to tell each other the stories of what we experience.2020-12-221h 14

What Magic Is This?The Timely Ideas of Eric WargoWhat if you could see aspects of your future merely by being asleep? What if the unconscious mind was in some way prophetic? What if precognition and psi effects are memories of your future experiences; something you premember? In this Episode of WMiT? I am joined by a guest whose ideas I have mentioned numerous times on the Podcast- Dr. Eric Wargo. His book Time Loops has been one of my greatest reading experiences of the last decade, and he's only getting started.2020-12-131h 27

What Magic Is This?Ancestors with Chiron ArmandWe all have them. Or, do they have us? The Tapestry of life is a complex web of family, lineage and blood. Their struggles and triumphs are yours as well. For many beginning in Magic, the idea of Ancestors and their elevation does not seem like the most interesting aspect to start practicing, but many these days are making a case that starting with ancestors is beyond beneficial. Joining WMiT? is a man who is well versed in the realm of the restless dead and how it applies to your health and well-being, Mr. Chiron Armand. Your ancestors aren't...2020-12-021h 33

What Magic Is This?Hermetic Magic with Sam BlockSince 2011, my guest Sam Block, also known as Polyphanes, has written well over 1.5 Million words on his Blog, The Digital Ambler. Having found his work in late 2013, I loved his passion and process regarding such texts as the Corpus Hermeticum and the Greek Magical Papyri. In this episode of WMiT? I finally get to pick his brain about some of my favourite aspects of magic, his process and how he tackles such things as using Barbarous names, substituting ingredients, even prayer. The Magical Mindscape of Polyphanes is on full display.2020-11-211h 42

What Magic Is This?Charles FortFish falling from the sky. People disappearing from one area only to be found in another. People igniting on fire for no reason. Such phenomena was finally given a voice in the early 20th Century all thanks to one man- Charles Fort. The word 'Fortean' is used by some to describe this phenomena but the thing is, cataloguing strange instances when reality seems to get weird should not be the only thing that Charles Fort is known for. The man who invented the Supernatural (a term Charles despised) has much insight into the odd currents of our reality and...2020-11-1158 min

What Magic Is This?KabbalahWhere does one even begin? Kabbalah has been marked down as one of if not the foundational Element of the Western Magical Tradition. It has also been marked down as a much maligned and misused Judaic Esoteric Tradition; a beautiful and vast tradition that was passed from master to student. Suffice to say, a lot of what passes for Modern Magic is inspired in some way by what is called Hermetic and/or Practical Kabbalah. In this episode of What Magic is This? Doug is joined by Tanin to share some insights as well as their individual takes on...2020-10-311h 20

Lux Occult8. Getting Magick with Douglas Batchelor from What Magic is This?In this episode of Lux Occult, Luxa is joined by Douglas Batchelor, magician, bibliophile and host of the What Magic is This? podcast to talk about everything from Discordianism, time loops, the history of the occult and the magick and worldview of the Ancient Egyptians to dreaming and expressing oneself authentically. Luxa announces an ongoing group magickal working that you can be a part of! There were too many books to list here, so please see the show notes for WORKS CITED: https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vRJWnDpxTYN9_IDkg98scm9V8PAGl2-2s6...2020-10-241h 43

What Magic Is This?Drugs & Magic with Danny NemuIt probably didn't take us humans very long to discover that certain plants and fungi, when we interacted with them or ingested them- would cause strange effects. Sometimes terrifying, sometimes prophetic, often exhilarating- Drugs and our dalliances with them have intrigued and enthralled us for longer than we've been recording history. Many would say that these substances and spirituality are intrinsically linked in many ways. Of course, Magicians and Witches have utilized this to great effect as well. It goes without saying, WMiT? had to bring on someone who can elucidate our fascination with Drugs and Magic like no...2020-10-211h 56

PRAGMAGICKHALLOWEENIE LiminalStream ∴ Douglas Batchelor ∴ PRAGMAGICKWATCH THE LIMINALSTREAM: Welcome to the first weekly #liminalstream via the PRAGMAGICK YOUTUBE! Proud to inaugurate this new venture with Douglas Batchelor and I listing off some macabre media to help swell these autumnal winds! I also premiered an original song entitled “…It’s Finally Dawn” which Patreon subscribers can hear in full Hi Quality: https://www.patreon.com/posts/its-finally-dawn-42789213 From Douglas Batchelor of What Magic Is This? “I was a guest recently on the new LiminalStream hosted by the one and only Keats Ross! He ask...2020-10-1900 min

What Magic Is This?Journeying with Wren CollierSomething available to each and every one of us is a capacity to explore strange worlds, dimensions, and realms. This can be as simple as having a dream each night, to as complex and unusual as a full-blown Out of Body Experience. While some would argue that this is merely just an act of Imagination, to those who Journey often such an explanation seems as far away from the truth as anything could possibly be. Joining the show to share some knowledge is a luminous soul who has Out of Body Experiences often- Wren Collier.2020-10-081h 50

What Magic Is This?Necromancy'But Dead Men tell no Tales, they say! Except old tales that burn away the stifling tapestries of day. Old Tales of life, of love and hate, of time and space, and will, and fate.' Western magic has recently seen a revitalization of the Practice of Necromancy- Divination, Invocation, Evocation and Communication with Spirits of the Dead. Most likely, Necromancy has its origins in Ancestor veneration but came to be something more. Cultures around the world have their own forms of Necromantic Interaction, yet death and the more than human world in the west has never been more...2020-09-271h 24

What Magic Is This?Hear Me Out... The Patreon EpisodeThe Time has come. It was bound to happen. Now, you will have the chance to support me (your host- Douglas!) and my work with the Podcast. In this Episode of WMiT? I go through some of my thoughts on starting a Patreon account, the reasons for doing so, why one should join, what might be on the Patreon and More! Speaking from the heart, this is not an episode to skip; Hear me out... Support my Flourishing on Patreon or if you Enjoyed the Episode, Toss Me a Coin or Two.2020-09-1627 min

What Magic Is This?Animism with Gordon WhiteOne is constantly surprised by the world and universe we find ourselves in. Every Ecosystem seems to overflow with life, be it forest, desert, tundra, even cities. The longer one sticks with Magic, the more it seems like the whole Universe is somehow alive. Yet despite things we can identify as certainly being alive, perhaps some of the denizens of the ecosystem we say clearly aren't alive- actually are, including the ecosystem itself. This is Animism. In this Episode of WMiT?, Doug is joined by Gordon White of Rune Soup to hash out the ultimate epistemology of Magic. The...2020-08-291h 23

What Magic Is This?Spirits with Aidan WachterMany Magicians would say that one of the most important aspects of Magic is interacting with 'Spiritual Creatures.' The idea of Spirits being a part of this world and that there could be a 'Spirit World' has been with us far longer than it has not. Of course, the prevailing worldview of the last 300 years has done a fairly good job of attempting to demolish the idea that spirits have ever existed. Yet Spirits (or at least belief in them) has never gone away. In this Episode of WMiT? we are doing something a little bit different. To...2020-08-211h 56

What Magic Is This?Ancient Greek MagicThe Greeks have a legacy in many areas of Modern Western culture- from Politics, to theatre, to philosophy and medicine. And of course- Magic, as it is from the Greeks that we get the word 'Magic.' Their stories are absolutely suffused with Magic, Gods and sorcerous characters, adding much to their mythical culture; The Greeks lived in a Magical world of Gods, Myths and the restless Dead. In this Episode of WMiT? Doug and his guest Eva go through some of the ways that the Greeks used Magic and how it is very familiar in many ways. 2020-08-121h 16

What Magic Is This?Chaos Magic Part IIOn our second voyage into the azure waters, we dive into conversations and currents of Chaos. Firstly we talk about the Philosopher King of Magic, one Ramsey Dukes. From here we sail about on the winds of a few Chaos Magic orders and groups, ever pondering if there ever really was a Chaos Magic movement. My guest for this episode Saul sheds some light on an online Magical current that for a time burned bright but now only seems to flicker. Of course, WMiT? cannot merely have only a two-parter on Chaos magic, but for a time we will...2020-07-311h 30

What Magic Is This?Chaos Magic Part ILate 1970's England. An iconoclastic group of misfit Magicians got tired of the same old story that in order for Magic to work, one had to be a part of a Tradition and go through necessary steps. To this they said 'Nonsense! All one needs is belief and how one utilizes that belief for it to work!' They thus birthed the first form of Postmodern Magic that was based entirely off of Results- Chaos Magic. Baked into this movement and the Chaos toolkit was a pragmatism that if the Ritual or Spell worked, it was kept and modified...2020-07-201h 39

What Magic Is This?Emanuel SwedenborgFor a time, Emanuel Swedenborg was a name that many in Europe and America were familiar with. These days, very few have even heard the name and those who have, the words 'Madness' or 'Liar' are not behind. Called by Ralph Waldo Emerson 'A Mastodon of Literature' the work and life of Swedenborg are indeed extraordinary. From his odd inventions, Life philosophy and his mystical experiences, there is much to learn from 'The Scandinavian Da Vinci.' So we head back to the Fools Gallery, to explore and introduce a figure that Doug feels should get a bit more...2020-07-121h 35

What Magic Is This?MaterialismWe live in an observable, measurable world; one built of the smallest bits of matter. And so we live our lives thinking for the most part, that this is the reality of everything- that the only thing that matters, is matter. Yet for a dominant social paradigm, Materialism & Physicalism has a hard time with a few things, especially those things which is says doesn't exist because it cannot explain it. In this episode of What Magic is This? we take a page out of the Materialism rulebook and start to take it apart, bit by bit. 2020-06-301h 25

What Magic Is This?Mental Health & The MagicianDepression, high anxiety, addiction and other mental health issues effect a huge number of us. Many are looking for answers or ways that we can get better or deal with these afflictions ourselves. How does Magic and the Occult intersect with such things? Are there similarities, and if so- what can we learn from them? The amount of internal pain that many of us carry with us each day is difficult to deal with, but there are ways in which we can get help as well as create help. On this extremely personal episode of WMiT?, Douglas has his...2020-06-151h 33

What Magic Is This?The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn Part IIThe Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn was finished. However, much of their mystique was only just beginning. With the publication of their Rites and Rituals by Israel Regardie, the secrets of this Magical Order were finally revealed to the world. As for the world of the Golden Dawn, it was one of Kabbalah, of Divine Will and one that believed that all things that were manifest on earth was somehow connected to one another through correspondences. Yet what effect did the Golden Dawn have on Magic after their dissolution? In the conclusion to this two-parter, Douglas goes through...2020-06-0748 min

What Magic Is This?The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn Part IThere is no other Magical Order that has done as much to shape people's perceptions of Magic than The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. From the practical use of Tarot, to the emphasis of Kabbalah, to the idea of initiation into Magic- all of this was a consequence of this short-lived magical group. In the first of a two-part episode, Douglas puts forward some notion of what magical ideas were around before the Golden Dawn and what was the story of their history, with a spotlight on a few key figures. Gather 'round Fraters and Sorors. It's Storytime.2020-05-3138 min

What Magic Is This?The 4th DimensionAsk anyone what they think the 4th Dimension is and most likely they will say that it is Time. Which is true, in some sense. But the 4th Dimension is more; so much more. It could be the lattice around which everything that has, is, and will happen- happens. The obsession with looking at higher dimensions and other worlds began in earnest in fin-de-siecle Victorian England. With figures such as Edwin Abbott and Charles Howard Hinton, people started to look closer at a dimension that we couldn't see, but perhaps we could very well experience. On this Episode on...2020-05-201h 05

What Magic Is This?SigilsWhat if I told you that you could have certain desires manifest in your life with a few seemingly simple steps? What if things in your life could change to meet with your aspirations both physical and mental? A somewhat recent weapon in the Magicians arsenal, Sigils are pictographic representation of an outcome that you desire. Their possibilities are seemingly endless, from creation to activation to disposing of them. Sigils go to the core of magic in many ways and are great evidence that symbolic thinking is indeed Magical. In this Episode of What Magic is This? Douglas is...2020-05-111h 54

What Magic Is This?The Marvellous Magical World of Alan MooreResiding in the heart of England lives one of the most notorious Wizards of the last 100 years. A Wizard who has not only seen the future, but some say has had a hand in crafting it. Conjuring characters that are as timeless as his ideas, there does not seem much that is beyond this Sorcerer's Magic. We are talking about Northampton's own Mr. Alan Moore. Widely considered the greatest writer of comic books in the history of the medium, Alan is beloved and feared in equal measures. Besides acknowledging that he is a Magician, not too many are aware...2020-05-011h 48

What Magic Is This?The Two-Way MirrorIn the Prologue to my Podcast, I talked about experiences; occurrences that happened to us all but were extraordinary in a way, something 'other' than normal. Aliens, Ghosts and Spirits are all somewhat common when these things happen. But what exactly is going on during these events? Is there some way that we can think about them that is useful to us? Perhaps there is a metaphor that could give us some kind of perspective? There is. For this, we will need to look through both sides of the Two-Way Mirror. Support my Flourishing on P...2020-04-2622 min

What Magic Is This?Rosaleen NortonAnother soul lurking around the Fools Gallery. This time, we introduce The Witch of Kings Cross- Rosaleen Norton. Kicked out of school for having a 'Depraved Nature which could corrupt the others' Rosaleen always did things her own way. Influenced by Aleister Crowley and other occultists, Ms. Norton crafted some amazing art from her Magic. She was devoted to the Greek God Pan, the earth's true god- her residence completely adorned with altars to such deities. To many she was a kind, intellectual eccentric, to many others a corrupter of decency. On this Episode of WMiT, we take a...2020-04-101h 03

What Magic Is This?Colin WilsonIt became clear very early on in Colin Wilson's life that there was one thing that he had to do for the world. Write. An author of over a hundred books, he was incredibly prolific. But Colin considered himself a philosopher. What kind of Philosopher? He called it New Existentialism- a way for each of us to be responsible for our gift of consciousness. Colin saw that what was missing in a lot of people's lives is meaning, but that our idea of meaning in the world was incorrect. Colin sought to remedy this single-handedly. A worthy and welcome...2020-04-011h 13

PRAGMAGICKPRAXIS ∴ Douglas Batchelor ∴ PRAGMAGICKPlease subscribe to the PRAGMAGICK patreon for the full, unedited chat! http://patreon.com/pragmagick ~CLICK TO WATCH THE EPISODE~ INTERVIEW #36 “PRAXIS” Douglas Batchelor Douglas Batchelor recording What Magic Is This? EPISODE NOTES: Douglas Batchelor is host of the phenomenal What Magic Is This? Podcast, an invaluable auditory resource on all things magical and metaphysical. I’ve enjoyed the podcast and its absolutely disparate execution from Pragmagick’s as Doug constructs a wholly topic-based chat with a hitherto uninformed guest. It’s brimful of information, heavily researched and all around wonderfully broadcasted by D...2020-03-311h 03

What Magic Is This?NeoplatonismEver met a Neoplatonist before the 19th Century? Me neither. The term was cast on a load of figures from the 3rd Century onwards. Using the philosophy of Plato, Neoplatonists came up with a sort of Unified Field Theory for how existence works. Without a doubt one of the most influential philosophies to the world of the esoteric and the occult. But how does it work? What view of the world does it propose? In this Episode, Doug and Dominique get their hands quite dirty going through a philosophy that needs to be looked at a little bit closer.2020-03-2049 min

What Magic Is This?CartomancyAfter Astrology, the second most popular form of divination is Cartomancy. For over 500 years, we have turned to cards to show us how things were, are and what might be. Cards used include the Tarot, Oracle Cards, Lenormand Cards, and good ol' fashioned Playing Cards. But how did this come about? More importantly, how do you do it? In this episode of WMiT? Doug breaks it down with the assistance of a good friend, Brad. The cards tell stories to those willing to see them and one hopes by the end of this episode, that's everyone. 2020-03-131h 02

What Magic Is This?The Greek Magical PapyriScattered across many museums, there are scrolls of Papyrus from the Early Common Era. Strange documents filled with spells of all kinds, formulae, prayers, hymns, rituals and rites. Their influences are all over the place- Egyptian, Greek, Jewish, Babylonian, Coptic even Gnostic and Christian. They are called the Greek Magical Papyri. Amazing documents that give us a glimpse into how magic was performed for a period of time, even though many of the spells date from much further back. Their existence is Miraculous. In this episode of WMiT, Doug is joined by Matthew to discuss a kind of magic...2020-03-011h 16

ArnemancyAgrippa’s Fourth Book of Occult Philosophy with Douglas BatchelorMy guest in this episode is Douglas Batchelor, host of the What Magic Is This? Podcast and veteran occultist. This is a continuation of my guest appearance on his podcast, where we started with a broad view of Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa's work and and life. In this sequel, we do a deep dive into Agrippa's Fourth Book of Occult Philosophy, a fascinating work which contains such occult classics as the Heptameron and the Arbatel. It's the grimoire episode you've been waiting for! Links What Magic Is This? Podcast Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa writings on Esoteric Archives Fourth Book of...2020-02-261h 13

What Magic Is This?Agrippa's Fourth Book of Occult Philosophy - Guest Appearance on The Arnemancy PodcastContinuing with our deep dive on Cornelius Agrippa, this time around the tables are turned and Doug is the Guest. The Arnemancy Podcast is Hosted by Reverend Erik, in which he discusses topics with many magically inclined folks. In this specific Episode, we toss around aspects of a book which may or may not have been written by Agrippa- The Fourth Book of Occult Philosophy. Usually overshadowed by Agrippa’s Three Books of Occult Philosophy, Erik and Doug attempt to make a strong case for this strange document, one that needs to be seen as a vital occult work, an...2020-02-261h 12

What Magic Is This?Heinrich Cornelius AgrippaOccultist. Theologian. Mercenary. Soldier. Physician. Spy. Scholar. Legal Expert. Peripatetic Polymath. Prisoner. Heretic. Certainly someone who lived a full life, Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa looms large over the Occult, and is an obvious addition to the Fools Gallery. He is certainly one of the Titans of Magic, anyone seriously interested in the Occult must give Agrippa his due. In one book (or three) De Occulta Philosophia, it was Agrippa's contention that there could be a synthetic vision of magic whereby the natural world combined with the Celestial and the Divine. On this Episode, Douglas is joined by Reverend Erik from...2020-02-091h 12

What Magic Is This?AlchemyThe quest of turning lead into Gold, this was the aim of the Alchemist. But was this seen as being something practical, or was it a journey to become enlightened? Broadly speaking, Alchemy was actually comprised of many different pursuits to many different people at many different junctures of history. For a time, it captured the imagination of many throughout Europe, and it still does to this day. Practically, it was an antecedent to chemistry and science. Philosophically, it promised the practician enlightenment. Is it still a worthy pursuit today; still worthy of study? Support my...2020-01-3152 min

What Magic Is This?Ancient Egyptian MagicThis episode is coming in swift as a greyhound, quick as light. Ancient Egypt has kept us enthralled for centuries. From the childlike curiosity of their culture, Gods and architectural marvels to the miraculous perspective of everyday life. One force weaved everything together from the beginning of their civilization to the end- Magic. The rites uttered to a freshly wrapped Mummy, to the ceremonies carried out to ensoul a God's statue, an understanding of the Sanctity of all things was paramount. What can we learn from the Ancient Egyptians? Much, it seems. On this episode of WMiT? Doug gets...2020-01-2155 min

What Magic Is This?The DevilHow art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! Everybody has an image in their mind of the Devil. What he means, what he represents, where he is now. Though the Devil exists in many cultures differently, Christianity seems to have a monopoly on the Devil and his handiwork. Yet up until the 12th Century, the Devil was seen as a somewhat small part of Christianity. This changed dramatically and the Devil became God's awesome opponent, the church warning people that they should...2020-01-1050 min

What Magic Is This?The NecronomiconPerhaps the most notorious Grimoire (Book of Spells) of all time. Occultists and scholars fear this book and the magic within. Known as Al Azif, it was transcribed or received by Abdul Alhazred in the 9th Century. Only five copies of this mysterious text exist, and it is certain that those who study these documents either go mad or come to regret their decision shortly after. In this episode, Doug and Clay crack open the most stygian document of all time. Support my Flourishing on Patreon or if you Enjoyed the Episode, Toss Me a Co...2019-12-3138 min

What Magic Is This?New ThoughtCan your thoughts change reality, specifically yours? Are there laws within this universe that dictate that you attract to yourself what you send out into the universe? Can thinking positive thoughts all the time change your world? Such ideas are so prevalent today that we seem to have forgotten where they came from, a late 19th century movement called New Thought. On this episode of WMiT it's time to go through perhaps the single biggest American Contribution to the world of the Occult. Support my Flourishing on Patreon or if you Enjoyed the Episode, Toss M...2019-12-2355 min

What Magic Is This?MeditationSit Down. Shut up. Follow the Breath. Over the last 40 years, there has been quite a bit of scientific inquiry into the benefits of a technique that is utilized by many cultures and religions around the world. Science aside, Meditation is often one of the first things that an occult aspirant is directed to do. On this episode of WMiT? Doug and Avaah discuss, with a focus on Meditation within the Western Esoteric Tradition. Support my Flourishing on Patreon or if you Enjoyed the Episode, Toss Me a Coin or Two.2019-12-151h 00

What Magic Is This?William BlakeReturning to the Fools Gallery, Doug is joined by Tara to discuss one of his favourite people of all time. William Blake was seen as an eccentric loner both during his life and after. However, William considered himself a visionary and a prophet. Woefully ignored during his lifetime, since his death some of his poems and paintings are seen as being among some of the greatest of all time. Blake was certainly inspired, his visions fused into his art and always with the ambition of reminding mankind of its true place- The Imagination. Support my F...2019-11-3058 min

What Magic Is This?Secret SocietiesCan you keep a secret? Sure ya can... For centuries, groups of people (usually men) met in secret, planning certain actions to their advantage. They created initiatory rites, ceremonies and a hierarchy within their group. These would be unknown to the public, unless you were a member of course. Such behaviour lends itself to conspiracy very easily. On this Episode of WMiT?, I am joined by fellow Podcaster Gabriel as we dig in to the world of Secret Societies and their works. What would those works be? Just the world as it exists right now, no less.... ...2019-11-221h 12

What Magic Is This?Day of the DeadStarting in the evening of November 1st and carrying through until November 2nd, many Mexicans will visit the graves of their departed friends and family. This is Dia de los Muertos; The Day of The Dead. Every year, this celebration of ancestral veneration is observed throughout the country. How did it come about? What is the reason for it? Join Douglas for a very special, very personal episode of What Magic is This? Support my Flourishing on Patreon or if you Enjoyed this Episode, Toss a Coin or two my way.2019-11-1439 min

What Magic Is This?Magic ToolsWhat would a wizard be without the wand? What's a witch without the cauldron? On this episode of What Magic is This? we delve into Magic Tools, the instruments and objects that a Magician needs and uses to aid in their spells and rituals. Usually the tools a magician has are technique specific, but are there some that no magician should be without? Doug and Kyle engage in a more conversational episode of WMiT, one that might have a trick-or-treat-or-two up its sleeve. Support my Flourishing on Patreon or if you Enjoyed this Episode, Toss a C...2019-10-3154 min

What Magic Is This?Aleister Crowley's Liber 777If there is one Occult book that is omnipresent, in bookshops and on a Magicians bookshelf, it would be Aleister Crowley's Liber 777. A book of correspondences that showcase the exchange between Kabbalism, Gods, Elements, Planets and many many more. But how did these correspondences come about? How did the book come to be made? How is the book to be used Magically? Doug goes through all this and his opinion of the book that seems to be considered The Only Occult Book a Magician Needs! Support my Flourishing on Patreon or if you Enjoyed this E...2019-10-2153 min

What Magic Is This?DreamsWe all have them. Each time we go to sleep, something odd occurs. While our eyes may be closed and we are certainly unconscious- it is almost as if our brain is awake. At this point, we are in the Dream Realm. Through the generations, each culture has attached certain functions to dreaming. Yet with all of our knowledge, there still is no consensus as to the purpose of dreams. Countless theories exist, but one of them is certainly incorrect- That dreams themselves are basically insignificant. On this episode of What Magic is This? I am joined by seasoned O...2019-10-101h 04

What Magic Is This?ConsciousnessConsciousness is pretty much everything. Everything that you've apprehended in your life is due to being able to have conscious experience. But why is it that perhaps the most fundamental ability in our life is so hard to pin down? Why are we Conscious? Where is Consciousness? How did we become Conscious? What do we do with it now? Is it evolving? All of these questions are brought up with my guest Zoi in the latest (and most chaotic) episode of What Magic is This? Support my Flourishing on Patreon or if you Enjoyed this Ep...2019-09-3048 min

What Magic Is This?Éliphas LéviIn this episode of What Magic is This? we head back to the Fools Gallery with the enigmatic political French Occultist Éliphas Lévi. Pretty much most of what is considered Modern Occultism can be traced back to him. What did he write about? Only that all magic has some kind of direct lineage through all of history and that there is another world underneath this one. Interesting ideas. But how much of what Éliphas wrote was true? Douglas hopes to answer this (on his own) and lay down some thoughts on one of the Titans of Magic. S...2019-09-1725 min

What Magic Is This?Unforeseen Interlude - How I started in Magic and Q&ATechnical issues from my end. My laptop has been acting up and basically petered out as I was recording the newest episode of What Magic is This? So as to not keep everybody waiting, I've recorded a solo show! The first part is about how I came to be a Magician; what led me to thee Temple of Magic. The second half of the episode is a Q&A in which I (hopefully) answer some of the listeners questions. Fingers crossed that I'll be back up with regular scheduled podcasting soon! Thanks for bearing with me. Support...2019-09-0334 min

What Magic Is This?The ImaginationPerhaps the greatest gift that we possess in the world is our Imagination. Without it, we would not have our greatest works of literature, paintings, music, film, even scientific breakthroughs. But science and the materialist worldview has few means to explain what the Imagination is. We know it is a 'thing' that gives us 'things' to help us and move us. On this episode of What Magic is This? I am joined by Caroline to merely scratch the surface of the Imaginal realm, perhaps my favourite place in this world or any other world. Support my Flourishing on...2019-08-2258 min

What Magic Is This?SymbolsSymbols. We are awash in them. No matter where you are, 'Things' are being represented by other 'things.' For many people, strange symbols in books or elsewhere are their introduction to the world of the Occult. But what are symbols themselves, and how can they be used within a magical perspective? Alex joins me to try and get to the crux of the matter, and I lay out my perspective as to what they are and where they might come from. Support my Flourishing on Patreon or if you Enjoyed this Episode, Toss a C...2019-08-1238 min

What Magic Is This?Robert Anton WilsonBack to the Fools Gallery! Our second resident is none other than the great Robert Anton Wilson. Writer, itinerant lecturer and all around swell guy. Bob certainly left quite a legacy and the impact of his 1977 autobiography Cosmic Trigger solidified its place as one of the greatest books in the pantheon of weird literature. If you want to get started in Magic and the Occult, you have to get to grips with Robert Anton Wilson and his ideas. Adam joins me for a smashing discussion and he really hits it out of the park with his answer to the Po...2019-08-011h 05

What Magic Is This?Coincidence & SynchronicityCoincidences are everywhere. But they are certainly a double-edged sword. For some they show that the universe is more connected and has the best intentions in store for us. For others, the word is used as a weapon to discount and dispel many paranormal or supernatural phenomena. But what happens when that coincidence goes into overdrive and something so seemingly profound and unknowingly meaningful unfolds before you? That would make it a synchronicity. On this episode of What Magic is This? I am joined by my skeptical guest Conor for a great discussion involving these two somewhat common concepts...2019-07-2244 min

What Magic Is This?Soul Flight & Astral ProjectionSoul Flight, Astral Projection, Astral Travel, Etheric Travel, maybe even Remote Viewing and Bilocation. A lot of terms for something that is very fundamental to Magic. Is something really going on- are people visiting other places, worlds, stars and planets, while their 'real' body is safe somewhere else? Or are they just using their imagination? Then again, what is real? What is imaginary? My guest Camille joins me for a splendid episode which delves into what it is, a bit of history, some people that were adept at it, and some tips to get you on the right foot...2019-07-1258 min

What Magic Is This?Carl JungWelcome to the Fools Gallery! Our first resident is Carl Jung. For many, such words as Archetype, Collective Unconscious, Introvert and Extrovert are perhaps all they know about The Hexenmeister of Zurich. But Jung lived a life absolutely awash in the occult and was certainly a mystic (although he wouldn't say so). My guest Daniel joins me for an overview of Jung's life, ideas and the many instances when things got downright weird for Carl. Support my Flourishing on Patreon or if you Enjoyed this Episode, Toss a Coin or two my way.2019-07-021h 05

What Magic Is This?SpellsIn this episode of What Magic is This? I am joined by my guest Simon who has chosen the wonderfully broad subject of 'Spells.' We get into what a spell is, its etymology, a little history, and much much more. Doug gives his definition of a spell and we also talk about what it feels like to cast a spell which might not be what you are expecting. This pod gets casted. Support my Flourishing on Patreon, or if you Enjoyed this Episode Toss a Coin or two my way.2019-06-2041 min

What Magic Is This?DiscordianismI talk with (but mostly at) my guest Andre about Discordianism- a parody religion that for it's time was quite a big deal. From its origin story to the individuals involved. Hail Eris! Support my Flourishing on Patreon or if you enjoyed this episode, Toss a coin or two my way!2019-06-1143 min

What Magic Is This?IntroductionAn introduction regarding the aims of this Podcast.2019-06-1004 min