In this episode of Spirit Box, I sit down once again with acclaimed occult author and lecturer Phil Hine to discuss Phil’s thought-provoking book on the left-hand path in occultism. Phil trace's its historical and philosophical evolution, from Theosophy and Dion Fortune’s conservative definitions to Kenneth Grant’s esoteric interpretations and Julius Evola’s controversial ideas.

The conversation delves into the origins and practices of Tantra, shedding light on the transgressive behaviours of pre-Tantra traditions and the eventual normalisation of the Śrīvidyā tradition. Phil critiques common Western misunderstandings of Tantra, arguing that true liberation within these traditions emphasises compassion for all beings rather than transcending morality to become a superhuman.

Phil also shares insights into his personal journey in occultism, his initial attraction to and eventual critique of the left-hand path. We also touch on contemporary Aghori practices, their transgressive nature, and the broader cultural implications of such traditions.

Join us for an engaging discussion that blends historical scholarship, personal experience, and humor, culminating in a critique of modern interpretations of Tantra and occult practices.

Show notes:

Phil's website https://enfolding.org/reflections-on-the-left-hand-path/

Book links https://www.amazon.co.uk/Querying-Left-Hand-Path-Phil/dp/1068598107 & https://www.treadwells-london.com/product-page/queryingthe-left-hand-path-phil-hine

Aghori photos https://www.darraghmason.com/index/G0000qURq7lptH_8

Keep in touch? https://linktr.ee/darraghmason Music by Obliqka https://soundcloud.com/obliqka

In this episode, I sit down with Ed Calderon to delve deep into the mysterious and often misunderstood world of Santa Muerte, the Mexican folk saint associated with death. Drawing on over a decade of experience working in counter-narcotics, organised crime investigation, and public safety in Mexico, Ed provides a unique perspective on the cultural and spiritual practices surrounding Santa Muerte. During his career, Ed also coordinated executive protection details for high-level government officials and dignitaries, often in some of the most dangerous parts of the country, giving him unparalleled insight into Mexico's criminal and spiritual undercurrents. We explore Santa Muerte's complex origins in Catholicism and pre-Hispanic traditions, her evolution as a figure of devotion, and her connection to Mexican criminal occultism. Ed shares his personal journey, beginning with his upbringing in Tijuana, where Catholic traditions and veneration of figures like the Virgin of Guadalupe shaped his early spiritual framework. He discusses his firsthand experiences with the Mexican drug war, and how Santa Muerte became a pivotal force in his path toward healing and sobriety. We also discuss Ed's in-depth study of indigenous Mexican criminal culture, focusing on occult practices. His insights into the practices and rituals surrounding Santa Muerte, from offerings and altars to the significance of her colors, provide a rare glimpse into this fascinating faith. The Plus Show: In the extended Plus show, Ed recounts a shocking ritual he underwent—a simulated burial performed overnight under the influence of powerful hallucinogens. The ceremony, officiated by female practitioners, involved treating participants as if they were already dead: they were stripped of belongings, prayers were said over them, and they were buried in shallow graves. At daybreak, the participants were pulled from the graves, cut on the foot and palm, and had three secrets whispered to them, one being, "You are already dead." This intense ritual, likely a trabajo or spiritual working, blended Catholic rites with folk magic elements from traditions like Santería. Ed reflects on how this extraordinary ritual influenced his perspective and deepened his understanding of spiritual practices in Mexican culture. Show Notes: Plus show https://www.patreon.com/posts/ed-calderon-on-117886076 Ed's website https://www.edsmanifesto.com/ Ed's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/manifestoradiopodcast/ Ed's practice Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lasantayelmonje/ Santa Muerte https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Muerte El Charro Negro https://www.instagram.com/p/C_4KkTgyS5O/ Keep in touch? https://linktr.ee/darraghmason Music by Obliqka https://soundcloud.com/obliqka

In this episode, I sit down with the brilliant Andrew Collins to dive into his astonishing new book on Karahan Tepe. This ancient site in Turkey has fascinated me for years, and Andrew’s research takes its significance to a whole new level.

We explore the origins of myths, the symbolism of serpents and birds as depicted at Karahan Tepe and Göbekli Tepe, and the potential relationship with the Milky Way. Andrew shares incredible insights from his journeys to Karahan Tepe and nearby sites which are revealing more and more about the sophistication of the ancient people who created them.

We also discuss some of the big questions about humanity’s past, from the Watchers and Nephilim to the Yazidi black snake and the cosmic serpent myths found across cultures. Andrew ties it all together with his thoughts on cosmic cycles, cataclysmic events, and their influence on spiritual practices.

Plus Section:
We dive into the historical and mythological significance of the Garden of Eden. Andrew shares his theory that the Garden was a real place located in Eastern Turkey, identifying the four rivers mentioned in the Bible. He recounts local legends about Adam and Eve and connects the story’s serpent to the cosmic Milky Way serpent and the stars of Scorpius. We also touch on Andrew’s recent experiences in Turkey, including a haunting Jinn encounter at a cave tied to the goddess Ishara.

This conversation is packed with extraordinary revelations and thought-provoking ideas. I loved every second of it, and I think you will too.

Show Notes:
Andrew's website https://www.andrewcollins.com
The Book https://books.innertraditions.com/karahan-tepe/
Karahan Tepe https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karahan_Tepe
Tours https://www.megalithomania.co.uk/turkey.html
Jinn image https://www.instagram.com/p/C5T9lWyMXhr/?img_index=1
Yazidism https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yazidism#:~:text=Yazidism%2C%20also%20known%20as%20Sharfadin,are%20a%20Kurdish%2Dspeaking%20community.
My photos of Göbekli Tepe https://www.darraghmason.com/index/G00004PhxB5.ZTXQ
My photos of Harran https://www.darraghmason.com/index/G0000tRVakEIGlNk