Exploration Arcanum

Jason Nelson

Exploration Arcanum explores the ideas, beliefs, and people shaping modern occulture. Hosted by journalist Jason Nelson, who covers technology and the occult, the podcast features long-form conversations with practitioners, scholars, scientists, and researchers about everything from Thelema, ceremonial magick, and witchcraft to AI, consciousness, and emerging technology. Together, we examine what people believe, why they believe it, and why it matters.

  1. Aug 9

    Episode 50: Ronnie Pontiac on LA's Occult Past

    My guest today is Ronnie Pontiac, author, astrologer, musician, researcher, and former assistant to Manly P Hall. In this episode, we explore the hidden occult history of Los Angeles and how the city became one of the world's great centers of mystical thought. From Madame Helena Blavatsky and the influence of Theosophy to Manly P. Hall and the Philosophical Research Society and the counter-culture of the 1960s, Ronnie traces the people, places, and movements that transformed Los Angeles into a magnet for spiritual seekers and occult organizations. Links Shop our Bookshop.org store and support Exploration Arcanum: https://bookshop.org/shop/ExplorationArcanum Ronnie Pontiac Links Philosophical Research Society Series on Yesterday LA: https://www.prs.org/yesterdayla.html A Presentation on Occult LA with Ronnie Pontiac (July 26 at 7pm) https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-presentation-on-occult-la-with-ronnie-pontiac-tickets-1989752907509 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theronniepontiac/Substack: https://substack.com/@ronniepontiac

    Episode 50: Ronnie Pontiac on LA's Occult Past

  2. Aug 2

    Episode 49: Lon Milo DuQuette: Ceremonial Magick, Thelema and the Young Aleister Crowley

    Welcome back to Exploration Arcanum. My guest today is author, musician, and teacher Lon Milo DuQuette. In this episode, DuQuette shares his lifelong journey into the occult, the evolution of Thelema and ceremonial magic, and insights into Aleister Crowley's influence on culture and the occult. He also discusses his new book Young Aleister Crowley and the Magicians’ Revolt. I want to thank Lon for coming on the show. I'll put links to his work in the description below. If you enjoy this episode, please give it a like and share it with your friends, and don't forget to subscribe to Exploration Arcanum here on YouTube, Spotify, and Substack. Thank you. Lon Milo DuQuette's links:https://www.lonmiloduquette.net/https://www.instagram.com/lon.duquette/https://lonmiloduquette.substack.com/Subscribe to Exploration Arcanum on Substack: https://explorationarcanum.substack.com/Shop our guests and support Exploration Arcanum: https://bookshop.org/shop/ExplorationArcanum

    Episode 49: Lon Milo DuQuette: Ceremonial Magick, Thelema and the Young Aleister Crowley

  3. Jul 26

    Episode 48: Scarlett Amaris on Witchcraft and Cosmic Horror

    Welcome back to Exploration Arcanum. My name is Jason. My guest today is Scarlett Amaris, an occultist, author, music video director, and screenwriter of the 2019 film adaptation of H.P. Lovecraft's Color Out of Space. In this episode, we explore Scarlett's journey into the occult, why Lovecraft's work continues to resonate with horror fans, the mysterious nature of egregores and thoughtforms, and what it means to build a relationship with deities like Hecate. We also discuss the unique spiritual character of Los Angeles. I'll put links to all of Scarlett's work and social media in the description below. Thank you. Scarlett's links https://scarlettamaris.com/ https://www.instagram.com/scarlettamaris/ https://scarlettamaris.substack.com/ Upcoming Events --- https://www.magical-retreats.com/thesovereigncrown Support Exploration Arcanum by shopping our guests' books https://bookshop.org/shop/ExplorationArcanum

    Episode 48: Scarlett Amaris on Witchcraft and Cosmic Horror

  4. Jul 18

    Episode 47: Dr. Angela Puca on Academic Research and The Occult

    My guest today is Dr. Angela Puca, a scholar of Western esotericism whose work bridges the worlds of academia and modern magical practice. With a background in philosophy and religious studies, she has become one of the leading voices making the academic study of the occult accessible to a wider audience.In this episode, we discuss what it means to study the occult academically, how scholars research magical traditions, and where someone should begin if they want to follow a similar path. We also explore the true origins of the term Left-Hand Path, the resurgence of modern esotericism, and artificial intelligence's place in the future of magical practice.I want to thank Dr. Puca for coming on the show. I'll put links to her website and social media in the description below. If you enjoy this episode, please give it a like and subscribe to Exploration Arcanum on YouTube and Spotify for more esoteric conversations.Thank youSupport Exploration Arcanum and our guests at Bookshop Storefront https://bookshop.org/shop/ExplorationArcanumDr. Angela Puca’s Linkshttps://drangelapuca.com/https://drangelapuca.com/courseshttps://www.instagram.com/drangelapuca/https://www.tiktok.com/@drangelapucahttps://www.youtube.com/@drangelapuca

    Episode 47: Dr. Angela Puca on Academic Research and The Occult

  5. Jul 12

    Episode 46: Shira Chess: Demystifying AI, the Occult, and Technopaganism

    Welcome back to Exploration Arcanum. My guest today is Shira Chess, a media scholar, professor at the University of Georgia, and author of the new book The Unseen Internet. In this episode, we explore the connections between technology and the occult, from techno-paganism and meme magic to artificial intelligence, and discuss why every new technological revolution seems to give rise to new forms of belief. I'll put links to all of Shira's work and social media in the description below. If you enjoy this episode, please give it a like and subscribe to Exploration Arcanum here on YouTube. You can also find the show on Spotify, so be sure to follow us there as well for more esoteric conversations. Thank you. Shira Chess' links https://unseeninternet.substack.com/ https://grady.uga.edu/faculty/shira-chess/https://www.instagram.com/shirachess/ https://mitpress.mit.edu/author/shira-chess-2026/Follow Exploration Arcanum on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4pAHz5zengxeOp4jaCHdRs?si=a29d348f4b6c4703 Shop our guests and support Exploration Arcanum: https://bookshop.org/shop/ExplorationArcanum

    Episode 46: Shira Chess: Demystifying AI, the Occult, and Technopaganism

  6. Jul 5

    Episode 45: Jen Sankey: Manifesting By The Moon: A Beginner's Guide to Moon Magic

    Manifesting By The Moon | Getting Started with Moon MagicWelcome back to Exploration Arcanum.My guest today is Jen Sankey, an author, tarot deck creator, and professional witch. In this episode, Jen shares her personal journey into the occult, her new book Manifesting By The Moon, as well as practical tips for beginners to weave moon magic into their daily spiritual practices.I'll put links to all of Jen's work and social media in the description below. If you enjoy this episode, please give it a like and subscribe to Exploration Arcanum here on YouTube. You can also find the show on Spotify, so be sure to follow us there as well for more esoteric conversations.Thank you.Jen Sankey Links:https://stardustwanderertarot.com/https://www.instagram.com/stardustwanderertarot/Shop our guests and support Exploration Arcanum: https://tinyurl.com/4tyfy3vt

    Episode 45: Jen Sankey: Manifesting By The Moon: A Beginner's Guide to Moon Magic

  7. Jun 28

    Episode 44: Lisa Derrick Returns! Kenneth Anger, Hollywood Babylon & the Occult Los Angeles

    Kenneth Anger, Hollywood Babylon & the Occult Los Angeles Welcome back to Exploration Arcanum. In this episode, I'm joined by filmmaker, artist, and occultist Lisa Derrick. We talk about what first drew her to the occult, her upcoming show in Los Angeles, and why Kenneth Anger's work, including Hollywood Babylon and Lucifer Rising, continues to inspire and captivate. We also explore Thelema, the occult history and spirit of Los Angeles, and why Hollywood has long been a meeting place for artists, mystics, and seekers. I want to thank Lisa for joining me on the show. You'll find links to her work in the description below. If you enjoy this episode, please like the video and subscribe to Exploration Arcanum here on YouTube. You can also find the show now on Spotify, so be sure to follow us there for more esoterica conversations. Thank you. Lisa Derrick's Links https://lisaaderrick.com https://lisaaderrick.com/art-shows/ https://www.instagram.com/lisaderrickfinearts/ Shop our guests and support Exploration Arcanum: https://tinyurl.com/4tyfy3vt

    Episode 44: Lisa Derrick Returns! Kenneth Anger, Hollywood Babylon & the Occult Los Angeles

  8. Jun 23

    Episode 43: Mandi Em: Why Witches Are Turning to Chaos Magic

    Why Witches Are Turning to Chaos Magic In this episode, I'm joined by author, teacher, and chaos witch Mandi Em, who shares her journey into chaos magic and insights on shadow work, archetypes, thought-forms, and feral self-care. Shop our guests and support Exploration Arcanum: https://tinyurl.com/4tyfy3vt Mandi Em's links https://www.healingforhotmesses.com/ https://www.instagram.com/healingforhotmesses/ https://www.tiktok.com/@healingforhotmesses

    Episode 43: Mandi Em: Why Witches Are Turning to Chaos Magic
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About

Exploration Arcanum explores the ideas, beliefs, and people shaping modern occulture. Hosted by journalist Jason Nelson, who covers technology and the occult, the podcast features long-form conversations with practitioners, scholars, scientists, and researchers about everything from Thelema, ceremonial magick, and witchcraft to AI, consciousness, and emerging technology. Together, we examine what people believe, why they believe it, and why it matters.

Information

  • Creator
    Jason Nelson
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    52
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Jason Nelson
  • Show Website
    Exploration Arcanum

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