art | esoterica | pop occulture | psychedelia
The Prescient Wisdom in Octavia E. Butler’s Book, Parable of the Sower (1993)
Octavia E. Butler (1947-2006) was a Black science fiction author widely recognized and respected for her unique and powerful presence within the sci-fi genre.
If Plants Could Think: The Science of Plant Intelligence
The plant world is a complicated pharmacopeia. American philosophers and naturalists have long venerated the plant world for its ancient, primordial wisdom.
Gendün Chöphel: The Legendary Tibetan Free Thinker
Gendün Chöphel was a rebellious Tibetan monk who, through his controversial writing and illustration, inspired radical change in Tibetan culture. Considered to be the reincarnation of a famous Buddhist Lama, he is one of the most notorious Tibetan intellectuals of the 20th century.
Sacred Sites: Göbekli Tepe
In the cradle of civilization, the forsaken ruins of Göbekli Tepe are said to be the oldest temples ever uncovered in archaeological excavation. The timeworn tell that entombs these mysterious relics is situated within the fertile highlands of Turkey in the southeastern Anatolia region. Göbekli Tepe, which is Turkish for “Potbelly Hill”, is 7 miles away from the city of Şanlıurfa, and 2,490 ft above sea level.
Sacred Sites: Petra, Jordan
The mountains of Jordan are a lapidarian fortress separating the prolific region of Palestine and the arid dunes of the Arabian desert. Within this stronghold lies a secret archeological treasure, an ancient city hidden in the depths of a dark, narrow gorge. This was the lost city of Petra, the stone-carved capital city of the nomadic Nabataean Kingdom.
Sacred Sites: Angkor Wat
Enclosed within the lush jungles of Cambodia, an otherworldly sanctuary graces the earth with its enigmatic presence. Its sacred ruins carry the story of a fallen kingdom whose forgotten glory can still be heard in the whispers of its crumbling corridors. The illustrious Angkor Wat, translated as “The City of Temples”, has become known as the largest religious monument in the world.
Sacred Sites: The Ajanta Caves
The Ajanta Caves are an ancient cluster of rock-cut Buddhist monasteries carved into a series of 29 caves within the Sahyadri Mountains of Maharashtra State, India.
Deep in the caves lie countless sculptures of Buddhist deities, a massive collection of painted murals depicting the incarnations of Buddha, and a breathtaking arrangement of religious temples engraved into a 250-ft wall of stone.
8 Tibetan Mantras for Navigating Turbulent Times
Here, we delve into the eight mantras featured in "Tibetan Mantras for Turbulent Times," exploring their meanings and offering guidance on how they can be integrated into daily life for healing, transformation, and empowerment.
The Life and Legacy of John Dee: Queen Elizabeth I, 007 and Enochian Magic
John Dee (13 July 1527 – 1608 or 1609) was an enigmatic figure whose expertise spanned mathematics, astronomy, pedagogy, astrology, the occult, and alchemy. Serving as the court astronomer and an advisor to Queen Elizabeth I, Dee dedicated significant portions of his life to studying alchemy, divination, and Hermetic philosophy.
An Overview of the Tantric Kalachakra Teachings
Kalachakra (Kālacakra), a term rich in meaning within both Vajrayana Buddhism and Hinduism, translates to "wheel of time" or "time cycles." This concept is central not only as a philosophical and spiritual symbol but also names a collection of Buddhist teachings and a significant lineage within both Indian and Tibetan Buddhism. Classified within the highest class of tantra, anuttara-yoga, Kalachakra spans a broad spectrum of spiritual and temporal teachings.
Six Key Figures in Western Ceremonial Magick
The world of traditional Western Ceremonial Magick enjoyed a renaissance during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Groups like the Theosophical Society, the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, Ordo Templi Orientis, and the Builders of the Adytum sought to bridge esoteric philosophy with practical spiritual work.
Here is a brief overview of a few major characters from this period of time.
Seven Different Plant Medicines You May Have Never Heard of
In this blog, we will delve deeper into the world of less-known plant medicines, exploring their histories, uses, and therapeutic potential. This exploration into other medicines barely scratches the surface of a complex and multifaceted cornucopia of medicinal plants. This exploration is a testament to the rich yet complex relationship humanity has with the natural world, offering a path to healing that is both ancient and newly contextualized in our modern era.
Join the Forefront of Psychedelic Exploration at Psychedelic Culture 2024: A Deep Dive into Tradition, Equity, and Science
Psychedelic Culture 2024 is a two-day in-person conference that promises to be a meaningful gathering of minds and spirits—hosted at the Brava Theater, a cooperative led by women in the traditional Latin neighborhood of San Francisco, California.
Saint Hildegard of Bingen: A Mystical Polymath and Channel of Ageless Wisdom
Hildegard of Bingen was a Benedictine abbess who lived in Germany from around 1098 to 1179. She's also known as Saint Hildegard and the Sibyl of the Rhine. During the High Middle Ages, she was a talented writer, composer, philosopher, mystic, visionary, and medical practitioner.
In this blog post, we will delve into her life and legacy, discuss the reasons behind her lasting fascination, and share some of her most profound quotes that continue to inspire and provoke thought in the contemporary world.
Kitab al-Bulhan, “The Book of Wonders”: A Portal to Medieval Islamic Esoteric Knowledge
The Kitab al-Bulhan, or "Book of Wonders," is a compendium of medieval Islamic esoteric knowledge compiled in the late 14th or early 15th century. This manuscript is a remarkable window into the confluence of astrology, astronomy, geomancy, and folklore within the Islamic scholarly tradition.
Mega Analysis of the Esoteric Easter Eggs in the Dune Universe
In celebration of “Dune: Part Two,” I will explore some of the history of the Dune universe, or multiverse, and then lead into some esoteric “Easter Eggs” to add some more depth to the series, to open your mind to the worlds within this world and the layers of genius within the saga.
Krishnamurti's Wisdom for the 21st Century: Top 10 Quotes You Need to Read
Jiddu Krishnamurti (1895–1986), an Indian philosopher, speaker, and writer, was born in Madanapalle, India. His works focused on matters concerning the mind, meditation, human relationships, and the sacred.
Abracadabra: Unveiling the Magical History and Mystical Power Behind the Word
The word synonymous with magic, "Abracadabra," boasts a fascinating origin, tracing its roots back to the 2nd century AD. Although the precise origins of the word remain a subject of debate, one of the earliest mentions is attributed to a Roman sage named Serenus Sammonicus.
23 Films About Life, Death, and Reincarnation That You Won't Want to Miss
Here are 23 films about life, death, and reincarnation that you won’t want to miss!
Dancing the Divine Waltz: Exploring Femininity in Santería's Mystic Traditions
Is there a religion alive today in which women are actually revered? Where homosexuality is respected as the ability to walk between two worlds? Where sexual experiences are discussed openly and not shamed?