Angela’s Symposium is so close to hitting the incredible milestone of 100,000 subscribers, and to celebrate this journey, I’m giving away two signed copies of the book I co-edited with Dr Suzanne Owen.

Let’s explore the intricate history between Christianity and witchcraft, tracing how the Church’s views on magic and supernatural practices evolved from the early Christian period to the modern day. This lecture unpacks the meaning of ‘witchcraft’ within a Christian context, revealing how the term came to signify a threat to divine authority.

Let’s delve into the enigmatic world of Western esotericism through the lens of Fernando Pessoa, my favourite poet and a fascinating figure in both literature and esoteric thought. Pessoa’s unique approach to esotericism, embodied through his famous heteronyms, presents a multifaceted exploration that challenges traditional perspectives on spirituality, philosophy, and identity.

In this episode, we delve into the rich traditions of Samhain in Contemporary Paganism. Often referred to as the “Witches’ New Year,” Samhain is celebrated as a time when the veil between the worlds of the living and the dead is thinnest, making it ideal for communicating with ancestors and performing powerful rituals of transformation. [...]

Let’s explore the historical development and cultural significance of blood magic. Blood has been used in magical rituals across civilizations, from Mesopotamian and Egyptian rites to Greco-Roman traditions, carrying powerful symbolism tied to life, death, and transformation. We explore the dual nature of blood as a source of vitality and renewal while also representing violence, [...]

Let’s dive into the life and work of Allan Kardec, the founder of Spiritism, exploring the philosophy, history, and impact of this 19th-century movement. Kardec, a French educator, sought to bridge the gap between spirituality and science by codifying Spiritism—a system based on communication with spirits, reincarnation, and moral evolution. We examine his key works, [...]

In this episode, we dive deep into the fascinating origins and esoteric significance of the term larva. We begin by exploring its classical Latin meaning as a ghostly apparition or malevolent spirit, drawing from ancient Roman religious traditions. Discover how larvae were seen as dangerous spirits that disturbed the living, and how these concepts evolved [...]

Learn about the fascinating connection between François Rabelais’ Gargantua and Aleister Crowley’s Thelema. In Gargantua, Rabelais introduces the Abbey of Thélème, a utopian society governed by the motto ‘Fay ce que vouldras’ (‘Do what you will’). This principle would later inspire Crowley’s central Thelemic tenet, ‘Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the [...]

This episode explores the concept of the Qliphoth, tracing its evolution from Jewish mysticism to modern occult practices. It begins by distinguishing between the traditional Kabbalistic understanding of the Klippot and the reinterpreted Qliphoth in Hermetic Qabalah. We then delve into the historical emergence and theological significance of the Klippot in Kabbalah, particularly within the [...]

This episode offers an exploration of the life, works, and esoteric system of Franz Bardon (1909-1958), a Czech occultist who significantly influenced 20th-century Western esotericism. Bardon’s seminal trilogy—”Initiation Into Hermetics” (1956), “The Practice of Magical Evocation” (1956), and “The Key to the True Quabbalah” (1957)—provides a comprehensive guide to his unique approach to Hermetic magic, [...]

We focus on George Ivanovich Gurdjieff’s seminal work, Beelzebub’s Tales to His Grandson, a part of his trilogy All and Everything. This text provides deep insights into Gurdjieff’s understanding of spiritual progress and offers a unique perspective on self-identity within the context of self-spirituality and Western esotericism. Through the narrative, Gurdjieff presents a cosmological model [...]

Let’s talk about the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. Was their magic truly a break from the past, or did it have roots in much older traditions? Let’s find out.

What are the psychological underpinnings of chaos magick?

What is Qabalah? This is a scholarly exploration of Hermetic Qabalah, an esoteric tradition steeped in history and rich in spiritual practice. This episode covers the evolution of Hermetic Qabalah from its origins in ancient Jewish mysticism through its adaptation in Christian and Renaissance thought to its pivotal role in contemporary Western esotericism.

Welcome to exploring Anton LaVey’s unique approach to magic in LaVeyan Satanism, known as “materialist magic” or “atheistic witchcraft.” This approach diverges from traditional magic by grounding itself in naturalism and atheism, emphasizing human psychology and actions over supernatural forces.

Let’s delve deep into the mystical and symbolic world of Babalon, a central figure within Thelema, the spiritual philosophy developed by Aleister Crowley in the early 20th century. Babalon, often referred to as the Great Mother, the Sacred Wh*re, or the Liberatrix, embodies profound aspects of the divine feminine, sexual liberation, and spiritual transcendence.

Explore the transformative journey of Sufism from its origins in the 9th century to its modern-day incarnation as Neo-Sufism. Delve into the mystical practices that have captivated millions and discover how Sufism has expanded beyond traditional Islamic teachings to influence global culture, art, and spirituality.

This episode delves into the mystical and Masonic legacy of Count Alessandro Cagliostro, focusing on his creation of High Egyptian Freemasonry. Cagliostro, a figure shrouded in mystery and controversy, claimed esoteric knowledge and noble origins, quickly gaining notoriety across Europe as a healer and Freemason.