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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20 episodes
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Avg 44 min
English

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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
May 26 · 26 min
Episode 40: Maggygrace Howe: Your Thoughts Are Creating Your Reality: Here's How
Welcome back to Exploration Arcanum. My guest today is Maggygrace Howe, mystic, herbalist, editor, and teacher. In this episode, we discuss Maggygrace's background, her work with the Cameron Parsons Foundation, why your thoughts are creating your reality, and the Almost Forgotten Women Artists project, which is rescuing mid-century female artists from obscurity. I'll put links to all of Maggygrace's work in the description below. Let's get into it. Links: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/maggygracehowe/ https://www.instagram.com/staytrueworld/ Official website: staytrueworld.com For information on sessions: https://www.staytrueworld.com/grace-shared https://www.staytrueworld.com/shop https://www.staytrueworld.com/writing
May 19 · 48 min
Episode 39: Bob Freeman: Do Occultists Make Better Paranormal Investigators?
Do occultists make better paranormal investigators? Hi guys, welcome back to Exploration Arcanum. Today, I’m joined by paranormal investigator and occult researcher Bob Freeman, better known as the Occult Detective. In this episode, we explore how occultists approach paranormal phenomena differently from skeptics and traditional investigators. We also discuss Bob’s early years as an occult detective, how belief in the paranormal can manifest, and his new Occult Detective role-playing game. I’ll put links to all of Bob’s work in the description below. Let’s get into it.The Occult Detective links: Occult Detective website: https://occultdetective.com Bordermen Games website: https://bordermengames.com X (Twitter): https://x.com/OccultDetective Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/occultdetective/ The Occult Detective Roleplaying Game: https://www.amazon.com/Occult-Detective-Roleplaying-Game/dp/B0GSV3WGVR Occult Detective: Misadventures in High Strangeness: https://www.amazon.com/Occult-Detective-Misadventures-High-Strangeness/dp/B0FBWR6FGZ Landon Connors: Occult Detective, Vol 1: https://www.amazon.com/Landon-Connors-Occult-Detective-One/dp/B0B6XX8T2F Vampirella: Dead Flowers: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CFX4CZTX
May 5 · 34 min
Episode 38: Maevius Lynn Returns! The Holy Year of Thelema
Hello everyone, welcome back to Exploration Arcanum, my name is Jason, and today I'm sitting down again with Maevius Lynn — this time to talk about her new book, The Holy Year of Thelema. In this discussion, we're going to talk about what those holy days are, how they compare to things like the Wiccan Wheel of the Year, and the women whose contributions helped build the tradition of Thelema. I want to thank Lynn for coming on the show. Maevius Lynn's Links https://maeviuslynn.com/ https://www.instagram.com/maeviuslynn/ https://www.patreon.com/cw/maeviuslynn https://www.youtube.com/@MaeviusLynn
April 14 · 28 min
Episode 37: Raven Digitalis: Why Everyone Gets Shadow Work WRONG
Welcome back to Exploration Arcanum. My name is Jason. My guest today is Raven Digitalis, an award-winning author and longtime practitioner in the modern occult tradition. He is best known for books on empathy, such as The Empath’s Oracle, Esoteric Empathy, and The Everyday Empath, as well as works on shadow work and magical practice, including Shadow Magick Spellbook, A Witch’s Shadow Magick Compendium, A Gothic Witch’s Oracle, and Goth Craft. In this conversation, Raven and I explore what the shadow is, how it functions within magical practice, how it shows up in everyday life, and how someone might begin approaching shadow work in a thoughtful and grounded way. If you enjoy the conversation, please give it a like and subscribe to Exploration Arcanum for more discussions on esoteric practice and spiritual traditions.Raven Digitalis' Links www.ravendigitalis.com social media: @ravendigitalis YouTube: @raven-digitalis Shadow Magic by Raven Digitalis - https://a.co/d/039IAnDX Raven Digitalis on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ravendigitalis/ The Witch's Shadow Magick Compendium - https://a.co/d/0ihya5Pd Goth Craft - https://a.co/d/0jfRZK1d
April 7 · 35 min
Episode 36: Oren Ben-Yosef: How Keanu Reeves Movies Secretly Explore the Demonic & Control⁠
In this episode, I speak with teacher and philosopher Oren Ben Yosef about the films of Keanu Reeves, and the deeper questions they raise about freedom and control. Drawing from his forthcoming book Demonology as Devourment Without a Devourer, Ben-Yosef explains how films like The Matrix, Constantine, and John Wick explore the tension between human agency, the structures that try to contain it, and our notion of the demonic. Website: https://orenbenyosef.com/ Amazon Pre-Order: https://a.co/d/00PUR9ge 6th Books: https://www.collectiveinkbooks.com/6th-books/our-books/demonology-devourment-without-devourer Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/or777en Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oren.ben.yosef/
March 3 · 40 min
Episode 35: Phoenix LeFae: How to Practice Spirit Magic for Beginners
Welcome to Exploration Arcanum. I’m your host, Jason. In this episode, we explore the mystical world of spirit and the elements with Phoenix LeFae, looking at how spirit interacts with nature, magic, and personal practice. Together, we discuss ways to connect with spirit, work with mythological figures, and integrate spirit magic into everyday life through practical, accessible approaches. Whether you’re new to elemental magic or deepening an existing path, this conversation offers insight into how spirit shapes both magical traditions and personal experience. Phoenix LeFae's website: www.phoenixlefae.com Instagram: PhoenixLeFae Store Website: www.milk-and-honey.com

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