January 10th: The Great Divorce

In some kind of crowning perversity, we read a Christian apologist this week. Lord Grang has nominated C.S. Lewis’ The Great DivorceThough obviously the product of a religious mind, it offers compelling vistas to the wizard’s eye. It is a bizarre and vivid visionary work on Heaven and Hell, and what constitutes the division between them.

Reading for December 13th: The True Grimoire

A few readings on goetia and the Grimorium Verum. From Jake Stratton-Kent’s presentation of this grimoire, we’ll look at pp. 57-59 and 101-121, and — optionally — 139-147. Then take a look at his essay on the necromantic roots of goetia, “Necromancy: The Role of the Dead in a Living Tradition”, pp.11-16 of At the Crossroads. Perhaps another look at this body of ritual in the coming weeks! Til Wednesday!

December 6th: The Men Who Stare at Goats

Hail, all!

This week, at the suggestion of our old pal Smelly Hermes, we vary our routine. We will be viewing a very odd film, depicting experiments in magic by the US military. No preparation is required; just bring your brain and eyes.

Hermafetes on the film:

In the 1970s, the U.S. Army funded several projects to determine once and for all “What is Real” in the spiritual realm and use it as a tool to ensure America’s supremacy. The Men Who Stare at Goats is a fictionalized account of this military misadventure, though the parts of the story that are made up and those which are real may surprise you.
I submit the following trailer for your viewing pleasure: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GC2TzspJn5A
Supplementary Reading:
The First Earth Battalion Field Manual, penned by the real historical “psychic warrior” Lieutenant Colonel Jim Channon, after the Army ignored the Colonel’s findings and he struck out on his own.

 

Reading for November 28th: Zenarchy

This week we have a few morsels of Buddhist anarchism,  courtesy of Dysnomia. From Zenarchy by Kerry Thornley/Ho Chi Zen (you probably know him by his other other nom de plume) we’ll discuss “The Birth of Zenarchy” (pp. 16-34). Then take a look at Camden Benares’ Zen Without Zen Masters and just let yourself ramble thru its miniatures however you like. You might do a few of the “Meditations and Exercises” (pp. 98-123) and give us a taste of your experience, or just read the group a few of the fragments elsewhere in the book that you find funny, profound, or asinine. It’s all in there, I swear, dharma on the up and up… honest!