“Religious forces are needed to overcome the egotism that divides humans.” Hex 59, I Ching
A timeless message from the Wilhelm I Ching. I so love this book for the wisdom it has given me over the years. I believe sacred rites referred to in the text below were entheogenic journeys, what else could evoke such awe? “Religious forces are needed to overcome the...
The Trivium: A Timeless Gift from the Sages of the Past • Episode 43 • Free •
I have been wanting to do an episode on the Trivium for awhile and finally, here it is. The Trivium means, “where 3 roads meet.” It is the foundation of a true classical education that historically included character formation and development. It’s composed of 3 primary subjects, Grammar, Logic/Dialectic, and Rhetoric. The Trivium is a scientific method that serves as the preparation for learning that has been used from antiquity through the centuries to produce thoughtful individuals who can reason and think critically, speak eloquently and persuasively, and hold knowledge from numerous areas of study.
The Trivium and the Quadrivium, known as the 7 Liberal Arts, are not taught in public and most private schools and colleges, leaving the majority of people bereft of this great cultivation of the human mind. It is reserved primarily for the elite private schools that cater to the children the very wealthy and powerful, similar to ancient Greece, where it was taught only to the free. The good news is that we can avail ourselves of this study to improve our grasp of language, learn the art of logical assessment, and speak persuasively and eloquently.
In the first hour I discuss the basics of grammar and logic and end with a few Logical Fallacies, which are flaws in reasoning. The second hour continues with the Fallacies and flows into the study of Rhetoric, where I explain the basics of creating an effective presentation. I also cover tried and true rhetorical techniques for speaking and presenting both written and verbal communication in order to stand out from the crowd. In addition, I discuss Aristotle’s teachings on the virtues, to inspire the mind and spirit.
Learning the arts of the Trivium delivers true empowerment and as well, it is the ultimate anti-gaslighting tool!
Sláinte!
Flood of Fire – an Iboga Experience
Trigger Warning: Iboga is one of the most powerful psychedelics in the world. This trip was certainly one of the strongest experiences of my life and I have tripped many hundreds of times, more than a few of which have been devastatingly intense. This report contains...
The Silver Branch and the Otherworld • Episode 42 • Free •
Seán Pádraig O’Donoghue joins me once again to discuss his new book, The Silver Branch and the Otherworld, which is a kind of user’s manual for real and profound connection to the spirits and cycles of nature, the ancestors, the trees and plants and the Otherworld inhabitants. That such a book would come forward at this time when the world is falling apart at the seams is notable. One might ask how such a book would have any relevance to us today. Thus, this episode where Seán speaks to how we, as people, possess the innate ability to communicate and perceive the ever-present subtle messages from the natural world, seen and unseen.
The first hour explores the body/mind system of the ancient Gaels – the Three Cauldrons – their function, and how to engage and support them. I asked Seán if an ally like psilocybin mushrooms would assist one to more fully embrace these body centers, and that initiated a fascinating weave of how to approach the mushroom, the dangers of psychiatric/medical establishment control of psychedelic experiences and much more.
The second hour explores the cross-quarter festivals on the Gaelic wheel of the year, trees as elders and memory keepers, a very interesting viewpoint on A.I. technologies, and more. Seán is steeped in the language, myth and culture of his Irish heritage, and his depth of knowledge is a great gift to those of us who are eager to be touched by that beauty. He will be teaching a class on the Silver Branch and the Otherworld beginning September 11th through October 30th and you can learn more about that here: https://otherworldwell.com/products/course-the-silver-branch-and-the-otherworld
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greenmansean
Astrological Magic with Christopher Warnock • Episode 41 • Free •
Christopher Warnock is known as “the father of the traditional astrological magic revival” and the “elder statesman” of astrological magic.” In addition to his teaching and writing, he creates energetically potent talismans using precise election times based on the movements of the constellations, following the wisdom of the Picatrix, a tenth-century Arabic text on astrological magic. With John Michael Greer, Christopher translated the Latin text to English in 2010. Two of his astrological talismans now reside in the British Museum as part of their permanent collection. In addition, Christopher has been initiated in two Japanese Buddhist lineages as well as the Soto Zen lineage of Dainin Katagiri.
The magicians of the ancient world were scholars and philosophers and they understood the inner workings of Nature. In this fascinating interview Christopher brings his great wealth of knowledge to the table, beginning with the prevailing modern world view of “atheistic materialism” as opposed to traditional magic and astrology, which have a spiritual basis. He touches on horary astrology, which is ancient. Horary involves answering a querent’s question at the current time and place the question was asked. A chart is created and the practitioner then makes their determination. Chris has done a few thousand of these over the years and has created a course on his site for those interested. He also discusses traditional astrology and chart reading, and of course covers talismans in great detail. I plan to study under him this fall, as he is one of the foremost experts on Renaissance astrological magic and he is a superb teacher.
I hope you enjoy this episode!
Christopher’s Website:
https://renaissanceastrology.com/
Youtube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@renaissanceastrology
Fate, Planetary Influences and More, with Astrologist Elsa Panizzon • Episode 40 • Free •
Astrology is an ancient science that traces its roots back 4000 years to Babylonia and Chaldea. One is well served to have a basic understanding of the workings of the cosmos and as well, a connection to a good astrologist. I am always fascinated by the winding path to one’s purpose in life and this episode’s guest has a most extraordinary story. Elsa Panizzon was introduced to astrology at the age of 8 and at 15 she left a horribly abusive home and set out on her own. Through a consistent flow of serendipitous happenings she eventually found her way back to astrology, clearly illustrating how fate so brilliantly operates. As a result of her challenging early life Elsa’s astrology practice has specialized in assisting clients with trauma as well as relationship and individual chart readings for over thirty years.
The first hour focuses on her unique and fated story, then flows into astrological House Systems. Elsa works with Equal Houses, which is uncommon today, and she shares her insights on that system and more. She takes every opportunity throughout the conversation to highlight the astrology in one’s personality, actions, thinking, and events, which helps show how intrinsic these influences are in our everyday reality.
The second hour covers where to look to learn astrology, which is overwhelming. Elsa offered some understanding of Pluto in Aquarius, which is a phase we’ll all be navigating for the next twenty years, involving the ubiquitous use of A.I. over real world, tangible reality, and a major transformation of the individual.
Elsa is brassy, direct and super sharp and she knows her stuff. I think you will enjoy listening to this very genuine, no-nonsense woman who provides essential wisdom and guidance to so many.
Website: https://elsaelsa.com/
Annie Oak: Harm Reduction for Psychedelic Communities
Annie Oak has created harm reduction strategies for psychedelic events and communities since 2007. She will talk about how to develop safety systems for gatherings where people may be exploring psychedelics. These strategies include structures for mental health...
Jason Grechanik: A Deep Dive into Dieting Plants • Episode 39 • Free •
Jason Grechanik has apprenticed for many years in the Amazon under the instruction of traditional teachers that include maestro Ernesto Garcia Torres. There, he learned the sacred art of plant dieting through his apprenticeship training that included prolonged isolation, and fasting. He was given the blessing to work as Tabaquero until eventually he was given the ability to dispense diets. He is a wealth of information on this subject and he runs dietas in the Sacred Valley of Peru and abroad. He is very well-spoken and shares beautifully on this subject. It was such a pleasure interviewing him.
In the first hour, Jason discusses what it is to diet a plant or a tree, entering into relationship through ancient practices of isolation, observation and communion. He shares his knowledge and wisdom on tobacco, which is sacred in many traditions. In hour two Jason discusses his work, the disconnect of humans from nature, shamanic dreaming and the imagination, and his initiation into fatherhood. So much good wisdom from this beautiful man!
Livi Joy: First Goose! Embodying (Feminine) Leadership When There Is No Road Map
Over the years my bios have often included words like “exploring,” “pioneering” and when in a more creative mood – “bushwacking”. These are helpful qualities for anyone wanting to do deep transformational work, but especially for those drawn to psychedelics and...
Welcoming Ibogaine Counselor Anders Beatty to the Awake Board of Directors
It is my great honor to welcome Anders Beatty to the Awake Board of Directors. Anders is a seasoned ibogaine counselor and coach skilled in the art of ibogaine integration. Anders honed his skills through helping first himself and then others to do ibogaine...