Right Where You Are Sitting Now

Who blew up Satan’s (Georgia Guide) stones? With Raymond Wiley

Ken travels to the deepest darkest Georgian wilds to uncover the identity of the Georgia Guidestones bomber. Joining Ken on this sleuthy endeavour is our old buddy, and the guy that literally wrote the book on the stones, Raymond Wiley.

This week we discuss: The history of the Georgia Guidestones, The rise of dark conspiracy theory, who we think planted the bomb, QAnon and much more.

 

Main theme by Simon Smerdon (Mothboy)

Music bed by chriszabriskie.com

Check out Raymond’s new podcast ‘Retrophilia’ on Apple, Spotify, and anywhere else you look for podcasts.

Check out Raymond’s book published by Disinfo/Weiserhttps://redwheelweiser.com/book/the-georgia-guidestones-9781934708682/

Raymond Wiley Bio:

Raymond Wiley is a historian, broadcaster, and producer based in Athens, Georgia. Arguably the foremost expert on the Georgia Guidestones, he has appeared on numerous TV, radio, and online series, including Brad Meltzer’s Decoded and CBS News Atlanta. Episodes of his audio series, Out There Radio and The Disinformation Podcasts, have been syndicated on numerous AM and FM stations and downloaded millions of times. He has been described as “a sober, Southeastern version of the radio host Art Bell, exhaustive in chronicling conspiracy theories and the occult.”

 

 

Shamans and Ancient Aliens with Andrew Collins

This week Ken and Ulysses Black venture into ancient times and try and discover the forces that have been guiding humanity. Taking us on this adventure is amazing Andrew Collins, author and explorer.

This week we discuss: The links between Shamanism and extraterrestrial contact, The mystery of the N-Beings, Andrew’s time at Skinwalker Ranch, and much more.

Joining me in the SittingNow exploratory lab this week is Ulysses Black

Main theme by Simon Smerdon (Mothboy)

Music bed by chriszabriskie.com

Andrew’s new book is available now from Inner Traditions

Andrew Collins Bio

Andrew Collins was born in Bedford, England. He is a science and history writer, and the author of over a dozen books that challenge the way we perceive the past. They include The Black Alchemist, The Seventh Sword, From the Ashes of Angels, Gods of Eden, Gateway to Atlantis, Tutankhuman: The Exodus Conspiracy (co-authored with Chris Ogilvie Herald), The Cygnus Mystery, Göbekli Tepe: Genesis of the Gods, The Cygnus Key: The Denisovan Legacy, Göbekli Tepe and the Birth of Egypt and Denisovan Origins: Hybrid Humans, Göbekli Tepe and the Genesis of the Giants of Ancient America, co-authored with Greg L. Little. He lives in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex.

http://andrewcollins.com/

Kenneth Grant, Crowley and the Typhonian Order with Michael Staley

Ken and Mark travel to the Mauve Zone to discover the mysteries of Kenneth Grant’s occult universe. Our guide into this mystery school is author, publisher and Typhonian Michael Stayley.

This week we discuss: Who was Kenneth Grant, How is the Typhonian Order different to Crowley’s OTO, Grant’s relationship with Spare and Crowley, Is Steffi Grant underrated? and much more.

Joining Ken from his tentacled astral body is Mar(c)k™ Satyr

Main theme by Simon Smerdon (Mothboy)

Music bed by chriszabriskie.com

Starfire have just re-published Grant’s ‘Beyond the Mauve Zone’

 

Michael Stayley Bio:

Michael Staley is the founder of Starfire Publishing. He knew Kenneth Grant for more than forty years, becoming his publisher in the mid 1990s, and across a number of years republished the Typhonian Trilogies in new editions.

Michael lives in north-west London with his wife Caroline Wise.

Ozark Magic with Brandon Weston

 

This week Ken and Mark venture into the deepest wooded mountains of the Ozark region to discover the hidden magic contained within. Our spirit guide on this quest is author of ‘Ozark Folk Magic’, and ‘Ozark Mountain Spell Book’, Brandon Weston.

This week we discuss: How does one acquire ‘The Power’, Plant magic, the myths and monsters of the region, just how do you pronounce ‘Appalachian’ and much more.

Joining me on his cunning throne this week is Mar(c)k™ Satyr

Main theme by Simon Smerdon (Mothboy)

Music bed by chriszabriskie.com

Check out Brandon’s book over at Llewellyn Books

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Brandon Weston Bio:

My work is a living tradition. It’s the work that Ozark healers have been doing for hundreds of years. You can see many different cultures and traditions represented in Ozark folkways. These beliefs and practices, much like the Ozark people who created them, are a mixture of many places, beliefs, and ways of life.

Specific folk traditions that have had a great influence on Ozark folkways include the European Cunning craft, Cajun/Creole folk medicine including the path of the Traiteur, Pennsylvania German Braucherei often also called Powwowing, Indigenous healing practices from the diverse nations of the Southeastern US, West African folk traditions by way of Southern Rootwork, Hoodoo, and Conjure, and even Central/South American Curanderismo.

An important aspect of my research includes looking into all the traditions that have had such a great impact upon Ozark folkways. In looking at where these traditions intersect, we can start to understand so much more about the lives and practices of our ancestors. While you can look at Ozark folkways and see the fingerprint of all these traditions, remember that these practices remain unique to this specific area and should be approached with that mindset. ​

I’m an Ozarker through and through. This is the land where I was born, the land where my parents and my grandparents were born, as well as many more of my ancestors before that. In this way, my work is my own, the spirits I honour are my own, and while my work may be seen as a part of the larger tapestry of Southern folk magic, there are many practices that are unique to me as I have learned them. I hold true to all these traditions that I’ve been taught and those that have been Spirit led.​

Who Are The Phantom Social Workers? with Martin Cannon

Imagine a man, woman or a group turn up at your door brandishing what looks like legitimate credentials with the intention of removing your child; they know intimate details about your circumstances, the sort of stuff that only a government official would know, how would you react? Sexual predators, or paranormal entities, we discuss the strange case of the Phantom Social Workers with the author of 'The Child Stealers' Martin Cannon. 

This week we discuss: Lone nuts vs. Conspirators, The Cleveland R.A.D. connection, British and American cases and beyond, Why the media and police constantly fail to connect the dots and much more.

Joining me from the special office of investigations is Mar(c)k™ Satyr

Main theme by Simon Smerdon (Mothboy)

Music bed by chriszabriskie.com

Martin Canon Bio:

Writer and illustrator Martin Cannon has created or contributed to dozens of books, magazines and websites. He enjoys writing about real-life mysteries.

‘The Child Stealers’

Tracking the Occulture with Carl Abrahamsson

Like two Universal monsters plucked out of their era, Ken and Mark rise from the grave of podcast absence to explore the Occulture. Our returning guest this week is one of our favourites; the wonderful Carl Abrahamson returns to discuss the wider Occulture drawing from his book of the same name.

This week we discuss: What has kept the Occult so vibrant up until now, the psychology of the Occulture, The Occult in pop culture and much more.

Joining me from behind a veil of mystical light is Mar(c)k Satyr

Check out Carl’s amazing work on the the Occulture

Main theme by Simon Smerdon (Mothboy)

Music bed by chriszabriskie.com

Carl Abrahamsson Biography:

I write fiction, and also material about the arts & entertainment, esoteric history, occulture, as well as artist portraits for the international market. I also lecture on all of the mentioned subjects at art schools, universities, events, symposia and conferences. I also work with filmmaking, in publishing, photography and music. For a quick overview, here are some links:

https://www.carlabrahamsson.com

Godhead and the Power of Silence with Trevor Gray

This week Ken and Mark find themselves stranded on a nudist desert island … wait….ok I can explain! This week we sit down with Thelemic novelist, Former actor, keen nudist and an executive member of the UK Ordo Templi Orientis, Trevor Gray.

This week we discuss: The esoteric journey, writing Thelema-tinged novels, The culture of nudism, and much more.

 

Joining me on the deserted desert island this week (hopefully fully clothed), is Marck Satyr.

Main theme by Simon Smerdon (Mothboy)

Music bed by chriszabriskie.com

Get Trevor’s books:

From Manhood to Godhead on Amazon

A Whisper in the Silence on Amazon

Trevor Gray Bio:

‘A Whisper in the Silence’ is Trevor’s second novel. His first, ‘From Manhood to Godhead – The Many Lives of Jean Vassar,’ took

him over fifteen years to complete and has received excellent reviews. Trevor took early retirement to concentrate on writing, having spent his entire working life in the world of Showbusiness. As a teenager, he played the drums in local pop bands and gigged briefly as a stand-up comedian. Professionally, he initially worked as an actor, after training at London’s Webber-Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art, but went on to become a popular personality Disc Jockey in the 1970’s for the Rank Organisation in Brighton. After running a Voice-Over ageny in London’s West End, he moved into Theatre Management, where he worked very successfully for twenty-eight years as Operations Manager for three theatres and a cinema in Worthing. He has been happily married to former actress, Rosemary Faith, for over forty years, both sharing a love of travel and of all things esoteric. Trevor has also had a long interest in traditional circus, plus the conservation of Primates, especially the Great Apes.

Finding the Witches Sabbath with Kelden

SittingNow sets foot into alternate realms and discovers a secret meeting of Occult forces. Join us around the fire as we sit down with author Kelden to explore the mysterious Witches Sabbath.

This week we discuss: The tangled roots of the Witches Sabbath, The unlikely victims of the Witchcraft myth, myopic stalky nymphs, and much more.

Joining me in the Otherworld is Marck Satyr

Main theme by Simon Smerdon (Mothboy)

Music bed by chriszabriskie.com

Kelden's book is available now.

Kelden Biography:

Hello, my name is Kelden. I am a therapist, writer, Youtuber, and Witch (among many other things). My personal practice, as well as my writing, is largely influenced by both historical and folkloric Witchcraft. This blog is intended to be an ongoing account of my Craft, in terms of my personal experiences, what I’ve learned, and what I am still learning. Topics of particular interests of mine include Scottish Witchlore, Familiar Spirits, Wortcunning, and Hedge-Crossing.

I currently live in Northern Minnesota. I hold a graduate degree in Marriage and Family Therapy as well as two undergraduate degrees in Human Services and Psychology. Besides writing my other hobbies include reading, painting, hiking, gardening, and playing ukulele.

You can contact me at keldenmercury@gmail.com

Instagram: keldenmercury

YouTube channel: youtube.com/KeldenMercury

Source: https://www.patheos.com/blogs/byathameandstang/

 

Will The Real Illuminati Please Stand Up? With Jon E. Graham

 

This week we pull back the mask of the shadowy group that has so captured the imaginations of conspirasphere for so long…that’s right, we’re finally doing a show on the Illuminati…well, the real one anyway. Our secret hooded guide into the labyrinths of hidden Bavaria this week is the excellent Jon E. Graham, author, artist, translator and member of the Inner Traditions team.

This week we discuss: Just who is Adam Weishaupt, what did the actual Illuminati get up to, what were their rituals and initiations, and why have the group managed to obtain such legendary status amongst the paranoid?

Joining me in the infernal co-host chair this week is the highest of Secret Chiefs, Marck Satyr.

Main theme by Simon Smerdon (Mothboy)

Music bed by chriszabriskie.com

The Bavarian Illuminati is available now via Inner Traditions.

Jon E. Graham Bio

 I am an artist, writer and translator currently employed as the acquisitions editor for the publisher Inner Traditions, Bear and Company. Before starting this job, I was a chef, bicycle messenger, factory worker, and bookseller. I have also worked with surrealists in France and the US as well as elsewhere in Europe.

https://www.innertraditions.com/author/jon-e-graham

 

Occult Adventures in Hollywood with Tamra Lucid

This week Ken and Mark go transatlantic to the state of sunny California and get a lesson on Occult teacher Manly P. Hall. Our guide through the halls of the Philosophical Research Society is the lovely Tamra Lucid, former student, employee and – most importantly – friend of Mr Hall.

This week we discuss: Just who is Manly P Hall? What is the Philosophical Research Society? Is Ken Fay curious? Did Mark really perform naked rituals on the Isle of Wight? All this and much more…

Joining me in the SittingNow Ennis House of Horrors is Marck Satyr

Main theme by Simon Smerdon (Mothboy)

Music bed by chriszabriskie.com

Check out Tamra’s great book via Inner Traditions.

Tamra Lucid Bio:

Tamra Lucid is a founding member of the experimental rock band Lucid Nation. She was a writer and editor for Newtopia Magazine and the principal interviewer for the original Reality Sandwich. She has produced documentary films, including Exile Nation: The Plastic People, End of the Line: The Women of Standing Rock, and the award-winning Viva Cuba Libre: Rap Is War. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Ronnie Pontiac.

https://www.innertraditions.com/books/making-the-ordinary-extraordinary

Aleister Crowley & The Temple of Set with Don Webb

This week Ken and Mark stumble back onto the Left-hand Path this time finding refuge in the Temple of Set with author, and former High Priest Don Webb. Join us on an adventure into the world of Setians and Aleister Crowley's Book of the Law.

This week we discuss: What exactly is the Left-Hand Path, can Dungeons and Dragon really turn you into a Satanist, Aleister Crowley’s influence on the Temple of Set, and much more.

Joining me in the SittingNow king’s chamber is Marck Satyr

Main theme by Simon Smerdon (Mothboy)

Music bed by chriszabriskie.com

Check out Don’s excellent book on today’s subject.

Don Webb Bio

Ipsissimus Don Webb joined the Temple of Set in 1989 and served as its High Priest from 1996 to 2002. He has written and lectured on Left-Hand Path topics and the occult practices of Late Antiquity since 1995. He lives in Austin, Texas.

 

Show Comments 

The Path of Freemasonry with Mark Stavish

This week we delve into the mother (or brother) of all secret societies, the Freemasons. Although the majority of the society does not accept, or – as we find out – does not even know their esoteric roots, Author Mark Stavish is back to guide us down this fraternal maze, drawing from his great book ‘The Path of Freemasonary’.

This week we discuss The esoteric roots of Freemasonry, why conspiracy theorists have such a boner for the society, some of the groups more influential esotericists, and much more.

Joining me in SittingNow Inner-order is Mark Satyr

Main theme by Simon Smerdon (Mothboy)

Music bed by chriszabriskie.com

Check out Mark’s book ‘The Path of Freemasonry’ published by Inner Traditions.

Mark Stavish Biography:

Mark Stavish, the Director of Studies for the Institute for Hermetic Studies, is a life-long student of esotericism with over 25 years experience in comparative religion, philosophy, psychology, and mysticism with emphasis on Traditional Western Esotericism.  His articles have appeared in academic, specialty, and mass market publications specializing in spiritual studies, making Mark one of the leading authorities in Hermeticism today.

In addition to being a member and officer of several prominent Rosicrucian and Martinist societies, Mark served as the Director of Research for the Occult Research and Applications Project, of the Philosophers of Nature (PON). The Philosophers of Nature was founded by Jean Dubuis in France in 1979 and for twenty years was the leading resource for practical information on mineral and plant alchemy, as well as qabala.  ORA, a statistically based research wing of the American branch of PON performed detailed exploration into the validity and practicality of various traditional esoteric methods.  Original research from the ORA Project was published in the organization’s journal, The Stone.

A graduate of King’s College, in Theology (B.A.), and Communications (B.A.), and  Rhode Island College (Providence), with a Master’s degree in Counseling emphasizing psycho-spiritual modalities and Psychosynthesis, Mark brings a unique blend of tradition with modern research to the application of esoteric philosophy.

Professionally, Mark has over 15 years experience in the social service and non-profit fields, and has trained hundreds of social service workers, law enforcement personnel, and mental healthcare providers in areas related to New and Emerging Religions.

Mark’s writings have been translated into Turkish, Dutch, French, Swedish, and Portuguese; he has been a media consultant on for BBC Channel 2, and Cinnabar Productions’ documentary, ‘The Occult Reich’ for A&E/History Channel, along with numerous media interviews and editorials.

 

 

The Devil and Anton Lavey with Carl Abrahamsson

We’re back with a devilishly good new episode in which we finally tackle the man, the myth, the legend…Anon Lavey. Our guide into The Black House this week is author, filmmaker, musician and occultist Carl Abrahamsson.

This week we dive into all things Lavey with a true expert and discuss: Is Anton Lavey a ‘real occultist’, the celebrity aspect of Lavey’s life, Lavey’s impact on the occult milieu, and much more.

Carl has a new book out via our friends
at Inner Traditions called ‘Anton Lavey and the Church of Satan’, and we highly recommend it.

For the eagle-eyed and perhaps more ‘old-school’ enjoyers of SittingNow, you may remember we made a video with Carl back in 2014 at Scarlet Imprint’s ‘A Pleasure Dome’ event. Why not get a double-dose of Abrahamsson?

Main theme by Simon Smerdon (Mothboy)

Music bed by chriszabriskie.com

Carl Abrahamsson Biography:

I write fiction, and also material about the arts & entertainment, esoteric history, occulture, as well as artist portraits for the international market. I also lecture on all of the mentioned subjects at art schools, universities, events, symposia and conferences. I also work with filmmaking, in publishing, photography and music. For a quick overview, here are some links:

https://www.carlabrahamsson.com

Carl Abramsson Links:

TRAPART: My own publishing company with an online store, focusing on art books and editions.

TRAPART FILM: A production entity that produces documentary films and features/movies.

HIGHBROW LOWLIFE: A music label I run together with my wife, Vanessa Sinclair. Basically an archive for all the music we’ve made together, but there will be new (and old) releases too.

PATREON

TWITTER

FACEBOOK

INSTAGRAM

 

 

The English Heretic with Andy Sharp

We return a week late (sorry about that, technical issues) with an esoteric exploration of where British culture, folklore, and the occult intersect. Our guide through the esoteric landscape is the wonderful Andy Sharp of English Heretic.

This week we explore: Cinematic curses, Psychogeography, Folk horror, Occult-England and much more.

 

Main theme by Simon Smerdon (Mothboy)

Music bed by chriszabriskie.com

Andy Sharp Biography:

Andy Sharp is a writer and multimedia artist. Since 2003, he has worked on English Heretic, an autonomous creative research project. Pioneering the form of literary and aural aesthetics, he has released over a dozen albums and booklets. He has talked at academic conferences and counter-cultural events on a wide range of subjects drawn from his research. He has an Msc in Neuroscience from Kings College and lives in London.

– Repeater Books

Babalon Rising with Scarlet Imprint

Back at it again in podcast land, and this week we’re invoking the Goddess Babalon with the wonderful Peter Grey and Alkistis Dimech, the co-conspirators behind the excellent occult publishing house Scarlet Imprint.

This week we delve deep into the topic of Babalon with the pair, and examine: Who was Babalon, How did the Babalon working influence Pete and Alkistis’ day to day life, What are Babalon’s roots, and much much more.

 

Reclaiming his chair from the usurper Marck, Ulysses Black returns to co-hosting duties.

Main theme by Simon Smerdon (Mothboy)

Music bed by chriszabriskie.com

Peter Grey Biography:

Peter Grey is a writer, and the co-founder of Scarlet Imprint. He is the author of The Red Goddess (2007), which has inspired the resurgence of interest in Babalon, the goddess of Revelation. His Apocalyptic Witchcraft (2013) has been called the most important modern book on witchcraft, placing it in the mythopoetic context of the sabbat and in a landscape suffering climate and ecological collapse. His Lucifer: Princeps (2015), is a study of the origins of the figure of Lucifer; he is currently writing the second part, Lucifer: Praxis. His collected writings, from 2008–2018, are published in The Brazen Vessel (2019) with those of Alkistis Dimech. His most recent work is The Two Antichrists (2021), a return to the Babalon and Antichrist workings of Jack Parsons and his eclipsed sodality The Witchcraft.

He has spoken at private public events and conferences worldwide to both practitioners and academics. These have included Occulture, the Occult Conferences in Glastonbury and London, Treadwell’s Bookshop, the Esoteric Book Conference in Seattle, Flambeau Noir in Portland, the Psychology, Art and the Occult conference in London, Here to Go II in Norway, the Trans-States conference in Northampton University, the Magic and Ecology conference for CRASSH at Cambridge University and Pagan Federation events. He can be heard on podcasts including Runesoup, Secret History of Western Esotericism Podcast, Right Where you are Sitting Now, Thelema Now, Spirit Box, Quarantine Sessions with Jake Kobrin, Against Everyone with Conner Habib, Grimerica, Witches and Wine, Thoth-Hermes, and Rendering Unconscious.

Peter lives with his lover Alkistis in the far south west of Cornwall on the edge of the Lizard peninsula, where he surfs in the cold Atlantic, walks the ancient land and pursues his magical practice.

Alkistis Dimech Biography:

With Peter Grey, I am the co-founder of Scarlet Imprint. I am a writer and artist – working principally with dance and the body. My practice is grounded in butô (dark dance). My work explores the occulted dimensions of the body, its subtle anatomy and sexuality as an archaeology of the flesh – drawing from the esoteric and phenomenological traditions – and seeks to unfold a process and techne of bodily spiritual transformation.

I have performed in the UK, Europe and the United States, solo and in collaboration with musicians and artists, notably Z’EV, Gast Bouschet & Nadine Hilbert, and Anji Cheung – and spoken on my practice, and given workshops, at conferences and events in the UK, Europe and the United States.

Selected works from 2008 to 2018 are documented in The Brazen Vessel and at alkistisdimech.com. I am currently creating Antimony, a work of texts and images on the angelic, alchemical transfiguration of the body.

Hunting Egregores with Mark Stavish

We're back with a really interesting deep-dive into the fascinating topic of Egregores. Joining us is the wonderful Mark Stavish who's book really grabbed us, and is really the most in-depth study we have ever found on the topic.

This week we discuss: Egregores: what are they and how do you identify them, what is the connection between Egregores and Tulpas, the historic appearances of Egregores and much more.

Don't forget, we're running a competition still where you can win our previous guest Tobias Churton's amazing new book 'Aleister Crowley in England'. Follow the rules in the post here, and good luck!

Joining me in the hot-seat this week is our own great beast Marck Satyr.

Check out the free course mentioned by Mark at https://institute-for-hermetic-studies.teachable.com/courses

Main theme by Simon Smerdon (Mothboy)

Music bed by chriszabriskie.com

Mark Stavish Biography:

Mark Stavish, the Director of Studies for the Institute for Hermetic Studies, is a life-long student of esotericism with over 25 years experience in comparative religion, philosophy, psychology, and mysticism with emphasis on Traditional Western Esotericism.  His articles have appeared in academic, specialty, and mass market publications specializing in spiritual studies, making Mark one of the leading authorities in Hermeticism today.

In addition to being a member and officer of several prominent Rosicrucian and Martinist societies, Mark served as the Director of Research for the Occult Research and Applications Project, of the Philosophers of Nature (PON). The Philosophers of Nature was founded by Jean Dubuis in France in 1979 and for twenty years was the leading resource for practical information on mineral and plant alchemy, as well as qabala.  ORA, a statistically based research wing of the American branch of PON performed detailed exploration into the validity and practicality of various traditional esoteric methods.  Original research from the ORA Project was published in the organization’s journal, The Stone.

A graduate of King’s College, in Theology (B.A.), and Communications (B.A.), and  Rhode Island College (Providence), with a Master’s degree in Counseling emphasizing psycho-spiritual modalities and Psychosynthesis, Mark brings a unique blend of tradition with modern research to the application of esoteric philosophy.

Professionally, Mark has over 15 years experience in the social service and non-profit fields, and has trained hundreds of social service workers, law enforcement personnel, and mental healthcare providers in areas related to New and Emerging Religions.

Mark’s writings have been translated into Turkish, Dutch, French, Swedish, and Portuguese; he has been a media consultant on for BBC Channel 2, and Cinnabar Productions’ documentary, ‘The Occult Reich’ for A&E/History Channel, along with numerous media interviews and editorials.

Aleister Crowley in England with Tobias Churton

This week we get all Crowleytastic again with the wonderful Tobias Churton. Tobias is a writer we hold in high regard here in the SittingNow Abbey, and he delivers in spades in this episode.

We discuss: The Great Beast’s place in history, Can Crowley be canceled? Myth-busting, Crowley’s later years, his relationships, and much more.

Joining me in the hot-seat this week is our own great beast Marck Satyr.

**COMPETITION!** (This must be entered on http://sittingnow.co.uk at the episode page before the end of January 2022)

We have one copy of Tobias’ latest book ‘Aleister Crowley in England’ to give away to one lucky listener. To enter, you must follow us on Instagram, and comment in this post below the answer to the famous Thelemic challenge ‘Do What Thou Wilt Shall be the Whole of the Law‘….make sure to include your Instagram name in your answer so we can check your undying social-fealty! The winner shall be selected at random, and informed via DM on their Instagram.

 

Main theme by Simon Smerdon (Mothboy)

Music bed by chriszabriskie.com

 

Tobias Churton Bio:

Born in Sutton Coldfield to an ancient Cheshire family, in 1960, Tobias Churton spent two years in Australia from 1966 to 1968 and returned to attend his fifth school, Lichfield Cathedral School. Three schools later he won an exhibition to Brasenose College, Oxford, where he studied Theology. Compelled to exchange a vocation to the priesthood for the lowlier prospect of a career in television, he first came to public notice with the 1987 Channel 4 production, GNOSTICS. The 4-part, drama-documentary went out at peak time on Saturday nights. It won the New York TV Festival Gold Award for best religious series. Churton’s Channel 4/Weidenfeld & Nicolson book accompanying the series was a best seller. 

Long before Dan Brown scored a hit with The Da Vinci Code, Tobias Churton introduced a popular audience to the authentic world of esoteric mysteries. In the words of Dutch scholar, Gilles Quispel, the TV series would “change the minds of millions”. Churton presented the facts, not the fantasy. Swedish theologian Jan-Arvid Hellström hailed Churton as a “religious genius” while Amsterdam bibliophile and industrialist Joost Ritman enthusiastically greeted the appearance of a new “writing star”. 

The success of The Gnostics allowed Tobias to concentrate his energies on his first love: writing. After years of voluminous reading, mystical experience and creative endeavour, Churton had much to express. 

Having completed his twenty-fifth book commission, Tobias Churton is today internationally recognized for his insightful books on esoteric, spiritual history, Art and philosophy. Accessible and scholarly, Churton’s works address believers and doubters alike and, remarkably, have stimulated spiritual experiences in some readers. He has successfully widened the appeal of so-called “esoteric” spirituality. Churton’s warm style and depth of knowledge have entertained many thousands of readers in the process. Tobias is also a filmmaker, lecturer, poet and musician. He has recently recorded his orchestrated score for his prospective dramatic project, William Blake: Love is on Fire!, while his musical about Nancy Cunard and Henry Crowder, YOU, ME AND YESTERDAY, co-written with artist and songwriter John Myatt, was performed to great acclaim at the Lichfield Garrick Theatre in 2011. He has composed and recorded eight albums of original music.

On The Trail of Spring-Heeled Jack with John Mathews

After some further technical issues and a death in the family, we return – or ‘spring’ if you will – back to our regularly scheduled podcasting regime.

This week Ken and Mark sit down with author John Mathews to discuss the legend of Spring-Heeled Jack. Discussed: Who, or what is Spring-Heeled Jack, The significance of the name ‘Jack’, SHJ throughout history, some prime suspects, and much much more.

 

Joining me in the hot-seat this week is Mar(c)k Foster

Grab a copy of John’s amazing book ‘The Mystery of Spring-Heeled Jack From Victorian Legend to Steampunk Hero Here

 

Main theme by Simon Smerdon (Mothboy)

Music bed by chriszabriskie.com

John Mathews Bio:

John Matthews, once described as ‘Oxford’s answer to all things mythic’, has been a professional independent scholar since 1980. He has made a lifetime study of the legends of King Arthur, and more recently of the history of piracy. His list of publications totals over 100, including Pirates (Athenaeum) which was a number one New York Times best seller for 22 weeks and was translated into 18 languages. He has acted as an advisor on several big budget movies, including King Arthur, Pirates of the Caribbean and Prince of Persia. His work on the education DVD to accompany King Arthur won a BAFTA award in 2003. 
 His best known and most widely read works are ‘Pirates’ (Carlton/ Athenaeum),  ‘The Grail, Quest for Eternal Life’ (Thames & Hudson, 1981) ‘The Winter Solstice’ (Quest Books, 1999) which won the Benjamin Franklin Award for that year, and ‘The Wildwood Tarot’ which has sold over half a million copies worldwide and is the second best-selling tarot of all time.. His book ‘Celtic Warrior Chiefs’ was a New York Public Library recommended title for young people, and the more recent ‘Arthur of Albion’ won a Gold Medal from NAPPA, a gold Moonbeams award and a BIB Golden Apple Award.
His love of Tarot and divination began when he devised the best-selling Arthurian Tarot, with Caitlin Matthews in the 1980s. It has sold in the region of 150,000 copies world-wide and had been though three editions. Since then he has worked on and devised a number of successful decks including, The Wildwood Tarot (with Mark Ryan) The Shaman’s Oracle and The Camelot Oracle, The Lost Tarot of Nostradamus, The Steampunk Tarot: Gods of the Machine  (with Caitlin Matthews and Wil Kinghan), The Sherlock Holmes Tarot and The Oracle of Dr John Dee. His latest adventuress in Tarot include The Cather Tarot (with Wil Kinghan), The Byzantine Tarot with Cilla Conway, and The Tarot of Light and Shadow with Andrea Aste.
Oxford, UK. Jan 2021

 

The Quest for the Count Saint Germain with Jessie Desmond

This week we welcome to wonderful Jessie Desmond onto the show to discuss the mysterious Count of Saint Germain. The Count has baffled historians and paranormal researchers for years now. A master alchemist, a charming royal diplomat, and possibly...immortal? Let's find out.

Joining me in the cohost chair this week is my good friend Mar(c)k Foster, and oh boy has it been a long time coming. Give Mr. Foster a warm SittingNow welcome!

Below is a photograph of Helena Blavatsky with the Count St Germain (far right) as discussed in the show.

Check out Jessie's Saint Germain site here, she is in the process of making a new site as we speak.

Check the Saint Germain timeline here

Saucers, Spooks and Kooks with Adam Gorightly

We return to the mic this week to look at all things spooky, kooky and … saucery (shut up, it works!) with ‘crackpot historian’ Adam Gorightly.

This week we discuss: The conspiracy roadmap from the early days of Ufology all the way up to the madness of Qanon. We look at the Dulce Base theories, disinformation, Bill Cooper, Alex Jones, The Satanic Panic…and much more.

Joining me in the hot-seat this week is Ulysses Black

Get Adam's latest book 'Saucers, Spooks and Kooks: Disinformation in the age of Aqaurius' in the UK here, and in the US here

Main theme by Simon Smerdon (Mothboy)

Music bed by chriszabriskie.com

Adam Gorightly Bio:

A self-described “crackpot historian,” Adam Gorightly’s articles have appeared for two decades in nearly every ‘zine, underground magazine, counter-cultural publication, and conspiratorial website imaginable. Bringing a mischievous sense of Prankster-Discordianism to the zany world of fringe culture, once Gorightly connects his dots, readers are plunged into alternative universes that forever alter their view of “reality.

http://adamgorightly.com