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.

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Monday · 43 min
How Are Myth and Magic Connected? Angel Millar and Lua Astor
Welcome back to Exploration Arcanum. Today I'm joined by Angel Millar and Lua Astor. In his writing, Angel draws on mythology, symbolism, and art to explore mysticism, identity, and human behavior. Lua is the founder and High Priestess of the Order Specula, and has spent over a decade devoted to Chaos Magic and creating original occult systems.In this episode, we discuss initiation, mythology, and the ethics of magical practice, along with Angel’s new book, Supernatural Woman and the Male Initiate: Bonded through Dreams.Thank you to Angel and Lua for coming on the show. You’ll find links to their work and social media in the description below.If you enjoy this episode, please like and subscribe to Exploration Arcanum for more esoteric conversations. You can also support the show by becoming a channel member or subscribing on Substack and Patreon. Angel's Linkshttps://angelmillar.com/https://www.innertraditions.com/author/angel-millarhttps://www.instagram.com/angel.millar_author/https://www.instagram.com/angel_millar_creative/Lua's Linkshttps://www.luaastor.com/https://www.instagram.com/luavalentiahttps://www.lulu.com/spotlight/luavalentiaShop our Bookshop.org store and support Exploration Arcanum: https://bookshop.org/shop/ExplorationArcanum
October 11 · 32 min
Elegance and Chaos Magick | Lua Astor
Today I'm joined by Lua Astor, founder and High Priestess of the Order Specula and author of Advanced Chaos Magic. In this episode, we discuss Chaos Magic, aesthetics, archetypes, and AI in magical practice.Thank you to Lua for coming on the show. You’ll find links to her work and social media in the description below.If you enjoy this episode, please like and subscribe to Exploration Arcanum for more esoteric conversations. You can also support the show by becoming a channel member or subscribing on Substack and Patreon. Thank you.Lua's Linkshttps://www.luaastor.com/https://www.instagram.com/luavalentiahttps://www.lulu.com/spotlight/luavalentiaShop our Bookshop.org store and support Exploration Arcanum: https://bookshop.org/shop/ExplorationArcanum
October 4 · 40 min
How to Build a Relationship With Your Deities: Devotional Witchcraft | Kenneth Freeman II
In this episode of Exploration Arcanum, I'm joined by Kenneth Freeman II, author of Devotional Witchcraft. In this episode, Kenneth shares his journey from Christianity to polytheism and explains why respecting gods as individuals—and honoring cultural roots—is central to his practice. We also discuss ancestral trauma, balancing spiritual traditions, and maintaining personal sovereignty, along with practical exercises for beginning or deepening your devotional practice and establishing meaningful relationships with deities. Shop our Bookshop.org store and support Exploration Arcanum: https://bookshop.org/shop/ExplorationArcanumKenneth Freeman II's Links:https://thedevotionalwitch.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedevotionalwitch/https://theholyrose.com/events October 17th - Book Signing at The Holy Rose in Raleigh, NCOctober 24th - Book Signing at Curio, Craft, & Conjure in Charlotte NC: https://curiocharlotte.com/products/author-book-signing-with-kenneth-freeman-ii-for-devotional-witchcraft-saturday-10-24-at-2pm?variant=49674326507748
September 27 · 44 min
What Happens When You Start Working With Hekate? | Viv ScarletStar
What Happens When You Start Working With Hekate? | Viv ScarletStarIn this episode of Exploration Arcanum, Viv ScarletStar shares her spiritual journey from childhood curiosity about the occult to practicing Wicca, demonolatry, and Thelema.We also discuss her relationship with Hekate, the meaning of True Will, and how ritual and archetypes can support personal transformation.Links to Viv’s social media: https://linktr.ee/vivscarletstarShop our Bookshop.org store and support Exploration Arcanum: https://bookshop.org/shop/ExplorationArcanum
September 26 · 46 min
How to Use A Year of Dark Moon Rituals to Deepen Your Connection with Hekate
Welcome back to Exploration Arcanum.My guests today are Popi Mavros and Scarlett Amaris. Popi is co-owner of The Crooked Path, an occult apothecary in Burbank, California, and creator of the Planetary Magick app. Scarlett is a screenwriter, author, and speaker whose work spans horror and occult studies. Today, we’ll explore Hekate, the significance of the dark moons, and how their new Hekatean Witches Almanac and Book of Shadows can help make personal spiritual practice accessible and sustainable.I want to thank Popi and Scarlett for coming on the show. I’ll put links to their work and websites in the description below. If you enjoy this episode, please give it a like and subscribe to Exploration Arcanum for more esoteric conversations. You can also support the podcast by becoming a channel member or subscribing on Patreon and Substack. Thank you.Shop our Bookshop.org store and support Exploration Arcanum: https://bookshop.org/shop/ExplorationArcanumLinkshttps://scarlettamaris.com/https://www.thecrookedpathshop.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarlettamaris/https://www.instagram.com/thecrookedpath_la/Substack: scarlettamaris.substack.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ScarlettAmarisThe link to the books: https://www.thecrookedpathshop.com/shop/new-arrivals/17Upcoming Events Inner Realms Through the Seven Gates And Interactive Journey with Inanna, October 2nd at The Crooked Path: https://www.thecrookedpathshop.com/product/oct-2-7pm-inner-realms-through-the-seven-gates/LBVZHVHE2BUZS5TZSQGXIWP3?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=2The Sovereign Crown: A Samhain Initiation in Joshua Tree, October 29=31: https://www.magical-retreats.com/thesovereigncrownA Lilith Intensive Workshop in Santa Cruz, January 16th https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lilith-intensive-workshop-presentation-by-scarlett-amaris-tickets-2001073673224?aff=oddtdtcreatorHeliopolis Sanctum II, Occitania, France, June 16-23 https://www.magical-retreats.com/heliopolis-sanctum
September 20 · 51 min
How Close Is AGI, and Who Should Control It? Dr. Ben Goertzel
How Close Is AGI, and Who Should Control It? Dr. Ben GoertzelWhat happens when AI moves beyond specialized tasks toward general intelligence—and eventually superintelligence?SingularityNet founder Dr. Ben Goertzel joins us to explore how artificial general intelligence (AGI) could reshape society and humanity’s future. We discuss the differences between AI, AGI, and superintelligence; how recursive self-improvement could accelerate AI development; and why Ben argues that decentralization and transparency matter for AI safety.The conversation also explores AI consciousness, the influence of governments and corporations, and the possibilities and risks of transhumanism—from brain-computer interfaces to mind uploading and digital immortality.Ben Goertzel's Links:https://singularitynet.io/https://goertzel.org/https://x.com/bengoertzelShop our Bookshop.org store and support Exploration Arcanum: https://bookshop.org/shop/ExplorationArcanum
September 13 · 43 min
Should We Fear AI? | Tom Ross
Should We Fear AI? | Tom Ross Today, I’m joined by author, futurist, and former presidential candidate Tom Ross. In this episode, we discuss his AI-driven presidential campaign, transhumanism, AI rights, esoteric practices—including shadow work — and whether artificial intelligence will one day awaken and become a partner in humanity’s evolution. I want to thank Tom for coming on the show, and I’ll put links to his website in the description below. Before we begin, if you enjoy this episode, please give it a like and subscribe to Exploration Arcanum for more esoteric conversations. Thank you. Original article: Meet the Long-Shot Candidate Letting AI Run His Campaign: https://decrypt.co/243023/thomas-ross-ai-campaign Shop our Bookshop.org store and support Exploration Arcanum: https://bookshop.org/shop/ExplorationArcanum Tom Ross' links:tomross.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/tomrosscom/ Medium https://tomrosscom.medium.com/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/tomrossagency
September 6 · 59 min
Can You Be Christian and a Witch? | Sara Raztresen
Can Christianity and witchcraft coexist? Author, teacher, and minister Sara Raztresen joins Exploration Arcanum to explore Christian witchcraft, mysticism, folk magic, tarot, and the long history of magical practices within Christianity. We discuss the line between magic and miracles, the esoteric roots of Christian rituals, Christian Wicca, egregores and spiritual entities, angel and goetic magic, and why some practitioners are leaving the occult for mainstream Christianity. Sara also shares practical advice for those interested in exploring Christian mysticism and spiritual communication. Sara's Links: https://linktr.ee/SRazzie97 Shop our Bookshop.org store and support Exploration Arcanum: https://bookshop.org/shop/ExplorationArcanum CHAPTERS 00:00–04:03 Introduction and Sara's background in the occult 04:04–06:50 Esoteric connections in Christian rituals and symbolism 06:51–10:02 Magic, miracles, and Christianity 10:03–12:49 Tarot as a spiritual tool 12:50–14:14 Leaving the occult for mainstream Christianity 14:15–17:31 Anti-pagan sentiment in the U.S. 17:32–20:37 Christian Wicca 20:38–23:29 Folk magic, hoodoo, and syncretism 23:30–26:47 Sara's ministry and community work 26:48–30:23 The Holy Sword and spiritual discipline 30:24–34:33 Egregores and spiritual entities 34:34–36:38 Communicating with deities and entities 36:39–40:22 Exploring gods and spirits 40:23–44:55 Science, magic, and experimentation 44:56–46:53 Sara's fantasy books and spiritual themes 46:54–48:55 Angel magic and goetic magic 48:56–49:05 Spirits, demons, and their interactions 49:06–50:51 Getting started with Christian witchcraft 50:52–51:04 Practical steps for Christian mysticism 51:05–End Closing remarks and where to follow Sara Raztresen
August 30 · 41 min
Why Millions Are Turning to Santa Muerte | R. Andrew Chesnut
Why Millions Are Turning to Santa Muerte | Dr. Andrew Chesnut In this episode of Exploration Arcanum, Dr. Andrew Chesnut joins Jason Nelson to explore Santa Muerte through the lenses of folk religion, Latin American spirituality, religious studies, cultural anthropology, and academia—and explain how the controversial Mexican folk saint became one of the world’s fastest-growing global religious movements. Shop our guests and support Exploration Arcanum https://bookshop.org/shop/ExplorationArcanum Dr. Andrew Chesnut's Links: Socials: https://www.instagram.com/drdeathanddivinity/ https://x.com/AndrewChesnut1 https://www.facebook.com/andrew.chesnut.3/ https://bsky.app/profile/drdeathanddivinity.bsky.social Academia: https://vcu.academia.edu/AndrewChesnut https://globalreligions.vcu.edu/directory/chesnut.html Blogs: https://www.patheos.com/blogs/theglobalcatholicreview/ https://skeletonsaint.com/ Chapters: 0:00–0:37 — Intro 0:38–5:29 — How Dr. Chesnut first became interested in Santa Muerte 5:30–8:16 — Balancing academic rigor with empathy for devotees 8:17–11:32 — Pushback and criticism from different audiences 11:33–14:32 — Why people outside the drug-war context venerate Santa Muerte 14:33–17:30 — Santa Muerte’s growing presence in culture, games, and retail 17:31–20:01 — How fentanyl changed the narco landscape 20:02–24:13 — How social media spread Santa Muerte devotion internationally 24:14–26:34 — Why Santa Muerte resonates in the UK and Western Europe 26:35–29:28 — Santa Muerte, baby Jesus, and World Cup rituals 29:29–34:38 — Is Santa Muerte a universal archetype? 34:39–39:09 — How the Mexican government’s position has changed 39:10–42:14 — Los Angeles as a spiritual and occult hub 42:15–End — Dr. Chesnut’s book, future formats, and where to follow him
August 23 · 57 min
Can Astrology Predict the Future of AI and Bitcoin? | Erin Redwing
My guest today is astrologer and podcast host Erin Redwing. In our conversation, we discuss Erin’s background in astronomy and how it led her into the worlds of astrology, the esoteric, and Bitcoin. We also explore the mythology surrounding Bitcoin's creator Satoshi Nakamoto, Bitcoin’s birth chart, the possibility of AI consciousness, and what ancient stories like Atlantis and the Tower of Babel can teach us about technological ambition. I want to thank Erin for coming on the show. I’ll include 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. Shop our Bookshop.org store and support Exploration Arcanum: https://bookshop.org/shop/ExplorationArcanum Erin Redwing's links: https://www.erinredwing.com/ https://x.com/realizingerin https://www.tiktok.com/@UCmZJrWmSm3ralB4-Wn1NRhQ The Hell Money Podcast: https://hell.money/ https://www.youtube.com/realizingerin
August 9 · 1 hr 9 min
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
August 2 · 44 min
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
July 26 · 52 min
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
July 18 · 35 min
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
July 12 · 36 min
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
July 5 · 41 min
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
June 28 · 1 hr 1 min
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
June 23 · 39 min
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
June 21 · 52 min
Episode 42: The Cameron Parsons Foundation on the Life and Legacy of Marjorie Cameron and Jack Parsons
Welcome back to Exploration Arcanum. In this very special episode, we explore the lives, work, and legacy of Marjorie Cameron, better known as Cameron—artist, actress, occultist, and visionary—and Cameron's first husband, John Whiteside "Jack" Parsons, rocket scientist, occultist, and founding member of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, CA. Joining me are Scott Hobbs, MaggyGrace Howe, and Victoria Ballesteros, members of the board of trustees of the Cameron Parsons Foundation. In this far-reaching conversation, we'll discuss Jack Parsons' mysterious death and Cameron's visionary work, their appearance in various media forms, including books, documentaries, and the short-lived TV series Strange Angel, as well as the foundation's efforts to preserve their stories and work for future generations. I want to thank Scott, MaggyGrace, and Victoria for coming on the show. I'll include links to the Cameron Parsons Foundation in the description below. If you enjoy this episode, please give it a like, share it with your friends, and subscribe for more esoteric conversations. Disclaimer: All guests' opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Exploration Arcanum. Cameron Parsons Foundation links https://cameron-parsons.org/ https://www.almostforgottenwomenartists.org/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marjorie_Cameron https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Parsons Shop our guests on Amazon and support Exploration Arcanum: https://tinyurl.com/4tyfy3vt
June 2 · 36 min
Episode 41: Dee Norman: The Truth About Grimoires Magic That Most People Get Wrong
Welcome back to Exploration Arcanum. My guest this week is Dee Norman, author of the new book The Seeker's Guide to Grimoire Magic. In this episode, Dee shares her journey into the occult, explores the history and significance of grimoires, and discusses modern approaches to magical texts. Dee also shares her insights into the nature of magical books, their historical context, and practical advice for practitioners. I want to thank Dee for coming on the show; I'll put links to her social media and website in the description below. Before we begin, if you enjoy this episode, please give it a like and subscribe to Exploration Arcanum for more esoteric conversations. Thank you. Links Dee Norman Official Website: https://www.blackcandlecottage.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deenormanauthor/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blackcandlecottage Shop our guests and support Exploration Arcanum: https://tinyurl.com/4tyfy3vt

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