Here he shares his knowledge of the philosophical tradition of personalism – a movement that has touched many other disciplines and that emphasizes the unique rights and responsibilities of personhood. He points out that there are counter-veiling tendencies in society that would treat humans more as machines, or as animals, rather than as persons. There [...]

Here he discusses a variety of plants that are used for both medicinal and entheogenic purposes – including dandelions, mescal, psilocybin mushrooms, cannabis, coca, and ayahuasca. He points out that the use of these substances throughout the world goes back far in history. They emerged from cultures that believed in animistic spiritual forces. Modern, industrial [...]

Here he describes the many threads woven into the intense cultural neighborhood near the British Museum in London. The discussion centers on the literary and artistic endeavors of the Bloomsbury Group, the spiritualist movement and psychical research, publishing, esoteric and occult groups, and the scientistic effort to suppress the realm of spirit. The interview concludes [...]

Here he describes the history of the transhumanist movement, with a particular focus on its development in the 1920s – and a view to understanding both proponents and critics. On the positive side, the movement seeks to enhance the human lifespan and human capacities. On the negative side it sometimes treats humans as machines, perhaps [...]

Here he shares his passion for and knowledge of a fine art painting. This highly illustrated conversation covers the artwork of Hildegard of Bingen, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Andy Worhol, Carl Jung, Francis Bacon, Frank Auerbach, Norman Rockwell, Paul Cézanne, Glorianna Houghton, Édouard Manet, Georges Seurat, Hilma af Klint, Wassily Kandinsky, Francisco Botticini, Leonardo da Vinci, Filippo [...]

Here he points out that, although Swedish culture today is largely secular and materialist, there are ancient esoteric roots and many modern currents. The discussion particularly focuses on Emmanuel Swedenborg, August Strindberg, and Hilma of Klint. The Swedish royal family engaged in a variety of esoteric explorations. Parapsychology is also active in Sweden today.

Here he focuses on the role of light in mystical traditions, enunciating his own insights regarding five stages of illumination. He distinguishes between authentic illumination and artificial pretensions of scientistic rationality. He emphasizes the role of heart-centered compassion on the mystical path.

Here he discusses the history of western and eastern traditions concerning the right and left hand spiritual paths, particularly tantra as practiced by the Aghori sect. He relates this to the left and right divisions in politics, as well as the cultural distinction between conservative/classical and romantic. The discussion also encompasses unarmed, martial arts combat.

Here he notes that ancient traditions throughout the world have recognized the power of sound vibrations to affect consciousness in a variety of ways. Words of power are used in both magical and mystical traditions. This use has also been carried over to the world of commerce and other aspects of everyday life – as [...]

Here he acknowledges that he is approaching this topic as a mystic and a scholar, but not as a practitioner of ceremonial magic. He reviews various historical cases of conjuring, particularly that of John Dee, the court astrologer to Elizabeth I. He points out that laws against conjuring were established by Elizabeth’s father, Henry VIII. [...]

Here he focuses on the distinctions between physical light and many forms of spiritual light, including magical light, Egyptian light, and divine light. He reflects on the multiple meanings of the notion of light entrapped within matter or flesh. He argues that scientism, to the extent that it denies the realities of the spirit, is [...]

This trailer was prepared by volunteers who hold the vision that New Thinking Allowed interviews can reach new, younger audiences. It is based on an interview titled The Mystical Path. The full interview can be viewed at https://youtu.be/z8zHJk2yQb0