Yes, magnets are cool, but there’s also something downright magical about them…
Category: Alchemy and Mysticism
A Transylvanian in Ireland: Dracula’s Celtic Roots
So, What’s In A Name? Sometimes, what was an odd bit of cultural theorizing becomes mainstream; C.K., or common knowledge as it’s known in academic circles. A… Read more “A Transylvanian in Ireland: Dracula’s Celtic Roots”
the Demonization of Morgan La Fey: A Timeline
In recent decades, there has been a pop cultural and feminist reclamation of Morgan La Fey, savior and nemesis to King Arthur. This re-appropriation is historically grounded,… Read more “the Demonization of Morgan La Fey: A Timeline”
Waterfall Demon Princess: Raising the Bones of the Dead
Imagine this: your father was a powerful Samurai, who led an unsuccessful revolt against the Emperor. And so, in the (Western) year 939 C.E., the Emperor had… Read more “Waterfall Demon Princess: Raising the Bones of the Dead”
The Fool: Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost
If the Major Arcana of the Tarot is mysterious, then the Fool is the Mystery of All Mysteries. For one thing, there’s the assigned number. Remember that… Read more “The Fool: Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost”
The Splendor Solis and the Jungian Mandala: 22 Images of the Soul
This post will serve as a guide to the Splendor Solis, an “illuminated manuscript” of Alchemical knowledge. It also contains a nod towards Jung’s notions of Mandalas;… Read more “The Splendor Solis and the Jungian Mandala: 22 Images of the Soul”
The Dao of Dying: Zhuangzi Dreams of Being a Butterfly
After Lao-tsi’s Dao Teh Ching, perhaps the most important Daoist text is the Zhuangzi. It is mythic, poetic and satiric. And as for its author? Well, his… Read more “The Dao of Dying: Zhuangzi Dreams of Being a Butterfly”
Touched by a Zombie: the Tibetan Ro-Langs
In the past, Zombie possession was typically presented in Western media as a function of sorcery, often tied to Africa or Haiti. While these Zombies were mind… Read more “Touched by a Zombie: the Tibetan Ro-Langs”
Alchemical Water: the Magic of Lady’s Mantle
Lady’s Mantle is a fairly common plant, with its 300 plus species native throughout the cooler regions of Europe and Asia as well as the mountainous regions… Read more “Alchemical Water: the Magic of Lady’s Mantle”
Deals with the Devil: the Red Dragon’s Demons
Let me begin with a significant disclaimer: Kids, don’t try this at home. To be a little more serious about it, today’s topic is demonology; specifically, the… Read more “Deals with the Devil: the Red Dragon’s Demons”