Thelema NOW! Crowley, Ritual & Magick

Ordo Templi Orientis
  • 4.2 (63)
  • Spirituality
  • Monthly

Our mission is to provide listeners with interesting, informative, thought-provoking interviews featuring individuals involved in myriad realms of mysticism, spirituality and magical theory and practice: authors, sorcerers, academics, entertainers. We'll be looking into everything except inter and intra organizational politics as that's ground very thoroughly tilled by other programs. (Opinions expressed on this program by interviewees and interviewers are theirs alone and do not necessarily represent those of Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O), Ordo Templi Orientis U.S.A. (O.T.O.-U.S.A.), or any of their officers or directors.)

  1. Oct 12

    Thelema Now! Guest: Frater Acher (2026)

    What happens when magical practice forces us to confront beings that don't fit neatly into our spiritual worldview? On this episode of Thelema Now!, host Harper Feist—joined by Frater Acher—dives into the stranger corners of occult practice, exploring his books, the nature of spiritual parasites, and the complex relationships we develop with the spirits we encounter. An accomplished author and practitioner of Western magic, Frater Acher is known for combining historical research with firsthand magical experience. His work spans subjects from the Holy Daimon and Rosicrucian magic to the Olympic Spirits and chthonic sorcery. Through his writing, he challenges conventional assumptions about magic and encourages practitioners to approach the spirit world with curiosity, discernment, and a willingness to question their own expectations. Harper and Frater Acher explore what it actually means to speak of parasites in a magical context. What are we describing when we use that word, and how can we distinguish between helpful, harmful, and simply unfamiliar spiritual relationships? They also discuss working with Mother and Father spirits, the dynamics of these powerful relationships, and what such encounters can reveal about our understanding of ourselves and the unseen world. The conversation also turns to Goêteia.com, Frater Acher's online home for chthonic sorcery, where he shares essays, historical research, practical reflections, and resources for those interested in spirit work. Join Harper Feist and Frater Acher for a wide-ranging exploration of the difficult questions, strange encounters, and unexpected lessons that arise when magic becomes a genuine engagement with the Other.

  2. Sep 27

    Thelema NOW! Guest: Giulia Turolla

    On this episode of Thelema Now!, host Harper Feist speaks with Italian contemporary witch, Priestess, teacher, and archaeologist Giulia Turolla about witchcraft, ancient religion, and the often-misunderstood world of Ancient Greece. Giulia's work sits at the intersection of scholarship and magical practice. With a background in Classical Letters and Archaeology and Cultures of the Ancient World, she researches ancient magical and religious traditions while practicing witchcraft as an indigenous form of shamanism. Her approach explores the relationship between people, spirits, gods, place, and tradition—and how those connections can inform magical practice today. Harper and Giulia take a wide-ranging look at some of the common misconceptions surrounding Ancient Greek religion and mythology, separating modern assumptions from what historical and archaeological evidence can tell us about the religious and magical lives of ancient people. They also discuss Giulia's book, The Key to Ancient Greek Religion: A Source of Academic Knowledge for Practitioners, which brings contemporary academic research together with the needs of modern practitioners. The conversation explores how scholarship can deepen magical practice without reducing ancient traditions to modern stereotypes—and how practitioners can approach the Gods, spirits, magic, and religious practices of the ancient Mediterranean with greater context and understanding. A fascinating conversation about witchcraft, archaeology, ancient Greek religion, and the sometimes complicated relationship between historical research and modern magical practice. Visit her website at boscodiartemisia.academy/en/

  3. Aug 30

    Thelema NOW! Guest: Sef Salem (2026)

    On this episode of Thelema Now!, host Harper Feist speaks with occultist and sorcerer Sef Salem about his decades of magical practice, his approach to group work, and the development of his Star Club Framework. Sef has more than twenty years of experience in personal and group magical practice. After beginning his journey as a Gnostic Mystic, he joined Ordo Templi Orientis in 2010 and soon founded Gentlemen 4 Jupiter. He also helped organize the Occult Conference in Glastonbury and has continued to develop innovative approaches to practical magic through Star Club, a magical training framework that brings practitioners together for study, experimentation, and ritual. Sef and Harper explore the relationship between individual practice and magical community, the challenges and rewards of developing group ritual, and Sef's broader vision for creating spaces where people can learn, experiment, and grow through direct engagement with magic. Sef is also a director of The Visible College, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to learning, development, esoteric practice, and the arts. The Visible College is helping facilitate the 40th Anniversary of the International Thelemic Symposium, taking place September 12, 2026, at the Old Fire Station in Oxford. The day features lectures, workshops, ritual, and performance, bringing together practitioners and scholars from across the Thelemic community. Tickets are still available, so if this conversation sparks your interest in Thelema and contemporary magical practice, there's still time to join Sef and the wider community in Oxford.

  4. Aug 20

    Thelema NOW! Guest: Maevius Lynn

    On this episode of Thelema Now!, host Harper Feist welcomes author, artist, lecturer, and ceremonial magician Maevius Lynn for a wide-ranging conversation about Thelema, Aleister Crowley, and her new book, The Holy Year of Thelema: A Guide to the Ritual Calendar of Aleister Crowley's Tradition. Lynn's book explores the holy days, rituals, and celebrations that make up the Thelemic ritual year, offering practical ways for modern practitioners to engage with Thelema as a living spiritual tradition. She also shines a light on the often-overlooked women whose contributions helped shape the history of Thelema. Harper and Maevius go beyond the book to discuss Crowley and the ideas at the heart of Thelema, the experience of practicing magic today, and what it is like to navigate the Thelemic community as a woman. The conversation offers a personal and thoughtful look at both the challenges and possibilities of finding one's place within a magical tradition. Tune in for a candid and wide-ranging discussion about Thelema, ritual, community, Crowley, and the continuing evolution of the tradition.

  5. Aug 7

    Thelema NOW! Guest: T. Thorn Coyle

    What does it mean to make magic a lived experience rather than an occasional ritual? On this episode of Thelema Now!, host Harper Feist welcomes acclaimed author, teacher, and mystic T. Thorn Coyle for an inspiring conversation about the transformative power of a daily spiritual practice. Drawing from decades of experience as a practitioner, teacher, and author of books including Sigil Magic, By Earth, Flame and Wind, and Evolutionary Witchcraft, Thorn explores how simple, consistent practices can deepen self-knowledge, strengthen magical work, and cultivate resilience in everyday life. Harper and Thorn discuss building sustainable spiritual habits, overcoming obstacles to practice, and how devotion, discipline, and presence can become gateways to profound personal transformation. Whether you're just beginning your magical journey or looking to renew an established practice, this conversation offers practical wisdom and encouragement for integrating the sacred into every day. Join us for an engaging discussion on magic, mindfulness, and the lifelong path of spiritual commitment. Visit Thorn's website at https://thorncoyle.com/.

  6. Jul 5

    Thelema NOW! Guest: Richard Kaczynski (2026)

    In this episode of Thelema Now!, host Harper Feist welcomes renowned author, psychologist, and Thelemic scholar Richard Kaczynski to discuss his groundbreaking new book, Mind Over Magick: The Psychology of Ritual Magick, published by Park Street Press. Drawing on decades of research in cognitive neuroscience, social psychology, and the study of consciousness, Richard explores one of the most enduring questions in esotericism: How—and why—does ritual magick work? Rather than reducing magical practice to mere psychology, Mind Over Magick examines how peer-reviewed scientific research can illuminate the transformative effects of ritual, meditation, symbolism, initiation, and altered states of consciousness. Harper and Richard discuss the fascinating intersection of science and spirituality, including the psychology of magical personas, the experience of being "in the zone," the neurological foundations of mystical states, and how practitioners can use empirical insights to strengthen their magical work without losing sight of its mystery. The conversation also touches on Richard's unique perspective as both a lifelong practitioner of Western esotericism and a Ph.D. psychologist. Whether you're a seasoned magician, a student of Thelema, or simply curious about what modern science can tell us about ancient practices, this engaging discussion offers fresh perspectives on the relationship between mind, ritual, and transformation.

  7. Apr 27

    Thelema NOW! Guest: Christian Brunner on Alpine Witchery

    On this episode of Thelema Now!, host Harper Feist speaks with author Christian Brunner about his book Alpine Witchery: Austrian Folk Magic, Lore & Spellcraft. Christian shares the story behind the book—what inspired him to explore the rich traditions of Austrian folk magic, and how regional lore, landscape, and cultural memory shaped his work. From mountain spirits to ancestral practices, he offers insight into a living current of witchcraft rooted in place, history, and personal experience. Also - hear about "freezer spells."  The conversation also touches on the importance of preserving folk traditions, translating them for modern practitioners, and finding authentic pathways into magical practice. Tune in for a fascinating look at Alpine magic, storytelling, and the journey of bringing hidden traditions into the light.

  8. Apr 24

    Thelema NOW! Guest: Joe Monteleone

    On this episode of Thelema Now!, host Harper Feist welcomes Joe Monteleone—described by Huffington Post as a "one-man-band of magical-thinking-made reality." A Tarot master teacher, coach, healer, occult performer, and founder of the Tarot Mysticism Academy, Joe brings decades of experience to a dynamic conversation on the transformative power of the cards. Drawing from his book Tarot Mysticism: The Psycho-Spiritual Technology of the Thoth Tarot, Joe shares insights into his personal tarot journey, the deeper layers of meaning within the Thoth deck, and how tarot functions as a tool for self-knowledge, spiritual development, and practical guidance. Together, they explore what the cards can really tell us, how to build a living relationship with tarot, and the ways this powerful system can enrich every aspect of life—from decision-making to personal evolution. Whether you're a seasoned reader or just beginning your path, this episode offers a compelling look at tarot as both an art and a spiritual technology.

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4.2
out of 5
63 Ratings

About

Our mission is to provide listeners with interesting, informative, thought-provoking interviews featuring individuals involved in myriad realms of mysticism, spirituality and magical theory and practice: authors, sorcerers, academics, entertainers. We'll be looking into everything except inter and intra organizational politics as that's ground very thoroughly tilled by other programs. (Opinions expressed on this program by interviewees and interviewers are theirs alone and do not necessarily represent those of Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O), Ordo Templi Orientis U.S.A. (O.T.O.-U.S.A.), or any of their officers or directors.)

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