The Scholomance Project

Last July, Jake and Pat of Tria Prima Podcast interviewed me about Esotericism in Freemasonry Conference www.esotericmasonry.com. For this episode, the third regular host of Tria Prima Podcast, Jaime Paul Lamb, joins us to discuss his experience attending and speaking at the conference last October. We then get to have a lengthy and indulgent conversation about the next EFC as well as what is next for Tria Prima. 

Not only is Tria Prima the publisher of our upcoming EFC2023 Keynote Speaker P.D. Newman’s “Angels In Vermilion” and Jaime Paul Lamb’s “The Archetypal Temple”, they are expanding their catalog in the coming months. Check out their catalogue, podcast and blog over at www.triaprima.co

Support the show

Catamara Rosarium is a Master Herbalist, Ritual Artist, and botanical alchemist. She is the sole proprietor of Rosarium Blends, a business dedicated to concocting various alchemical and talismanic creations to enliven the senses. Her extensive herbal experience is motivated by a deep attraction to plants, scents, and how they impact the senses. She has undertaken numerous unique trainings, apprenticeships and teachings in various esoteric herbalism currents which the culmination has become the foundation and framework of her praxis and work.

Catamara is co-founder, organizer and convener of the Viridis Genii Symposium. 

https://viridisgenii.com/

https://rosariumblends.com/

When you become a Patreon your monthly contribution helps offset our production and streaming costs. The various levels of support include access to many of our extended interviews and invites to our live events, including the next Ask The Occultist Q&A. 

The 8th Annual Viridis Genii Symposium will happen July 21st-23rd in retreat space near Olympia WA. Check out https://viridisgenii.com/ for a full list of the hands on workshops and lectures exploring the greater mysteries of the Herbal Arte and how it manifests itself within all traditions, cultures and practices. 

Save the date! Esotericism in Freemasonry Conference is Sept 30th & Oct 1st. Keynote will be P.D. Newman, author of Alchemically Stoned and Angels in Vermillion. Subscribe to www.esotericmasonry.com for updates and ticket information. 

The Scholomance Project is hosted by Troy the Devil-Man. A special Thanks to Moka Only for our opening and closing music. Check out scholomance.ca for more show related resources including notes and transcriptions, upcoming events, and our Patreon.  Scholomance. Aspire. Explore. Inspire.

Support the show

Keith Deighton is a Freemason and fellow spiritual seeker. In this episode we talk about his surprise family connection to Freemasonry, his past interest in Spiritualism, and his growing interest in sacred geometry and magick. I hope you enjoy this conversation with my long-time friend and fellow Freemason. 

Support the show

In this episode RWBr. Trevor McKeown “an obscure Freemason of no authority” discusses his involvement in in Quatuor Coronati Lodge, why he enjoys spending time in old graveyards, and some of his opinions about Fringe Freemasonry. We also get some insight into why his interest in the Craft has remained so strong.

https://www.quatuorcoronati.com/

Support the show

300 years ago Reverend James Anderson was charged with compiling what became the foundational documents of English Freemasonry. These documents became singularly influential, and not just on Freemasonry. Trevor McKeown and I discuss the  history and significance of this remarkable little book. 

https://freemasonry.bcy.ca/trevor/trevor_bio.pdf

Support the show

After my talk with Wes that we recorded for Episode 22 we delve into some of our experiences in Freemasonry, and some thoughts about what keeps us so passionate about the Craft.  

Wes Regan is the presiding master of the Vancouver Lodge of Education & Research and the Chairman of the Grand Masonic Day 2023 organizing committee. He is a passionate Freemason with an interest in academic research. Wes works in public health and is working on his PhD in  Planning at University of British Columbia. 

Support the show

This is the second release in our series of discussions delivered at Esotericism in Freemasonry Conference 2022. In his talk “The Disenchantment (and Re-enchantment) of Freemasonry” Wes Regan presents his thoughts on the tension between different types and traditions of Freemasonry, both in the Craft as it is today and as it was practiced in the past.. This was recorded live and was accompanied by slides. Further resources related to this talk are posted in the show notes for Episode 023 on scholomance.ca.

Wes Regan is the presiding master of the Vancouver Lodge of Education & Research and the Chairman of the Grand Masonic Day 2023 organizing committee. He is a passionate Freemason with an interest in academic research. Wes works in public health and is working on his PhD in  Planning at University of British Columbia. 

Support the show

Wes Regan is the presiding master of the Vancouver Lodge of Education & Research and the Chairman of the Grand Masonic Day 2023 organizing committee. He is a passionate Freemason with an interest in academic research. Wes works in public health and is working on his PhD in  Planning at University of British Columbia. 

Wes and I discuss our work with GMD2023. We then chat a little bit about his presentation at EFC2022. The presentation itself will be included in a future episode. 

Support the show

Lon Milo DuQuette is a well-known author and speaker on Western Esotericism. He is a close friend of mine and is always ready to attend my events. He has already appeared on this podcast in Episode 8 which is our most popular episode. It was no surprise then that he stepped forward to be the Keynote Speaker for Esotericism in Freemasonry Conference 2022. His presentation of “Is Freemasonry Esoteric?” set the tone for our first in-person event since 2019. 

This is the first of a series of episodes that will focus on EFC2022. Make sure to subscribe to our Patreon to get exclusive extended content from this and future events. 

Support the show

Doug Russell is Former Master of Southern California Research Lodge, where he served for seven years as Editor in Chief of the monthly Masonic magazine, Fraternal Review. He is a retired psychotherapist and educator who has studied Ageless Wisdom teachings and practiced meditation for over 50 years. He is a certified meditation instructor and officer in the Academy of Reflection—a chartered body within the Scottish Rite for brothers wanting to integrate contemplative practice with their Masonic experience. His articles have been published in The Journal of the Masonic Society, The Short Talk Bulletin, and in Philalethes, The Journal of Masonic Research & Letters. He is currently doing research and writing on the Esoteric Art of Memory.

Brother Russell is presenting “Freemasonry in Academic Studies of Western Esotericism” at EFC2022. We talk a little about his paper and much more about his history and background with meditation and psychology.

Support the show

Richard Harris is a Freemason with a deep interest in Elias Ashmole. His talk entitled “Elias Ashmole: Initiation, Alchemy, Freemasonry” will be presented at Esotericism in Freemasonry Conference 2022. Our talk ranges from details about the life and work of Brother Ashmole to the importance of poetry in the study of Western Esotericism. 

Support the show

P.D. Newman is a Freemason, researcher and author. His first two published works Alchemically Stoned and Angels in Vermilion present a different viewpoint on the possible use of enthoegens in alchemy, magick and even Freemasonry. His work is compelling, but it is his frankness and approach-ability that made this interview so much fun. 

Support the show

Grand Masonic Day is an annual educational event organized by the Vancouver Lodge of Education & Research and features various speakers and topics of general interest to Freemasons. Wes Regan is the chair of the Grand Masonic Day 2023 organizing committee and the presiding master of the Vancouver Lodge of Education and Research. GMD2023 will be on April 29th 2023 and speakers are still being selected.

This episode is the second half of a longer conversation I had with Wes Regan and Ken Lane. In this part of the conversation we talk more about EFC2022, Masonic Education and the forces and tensions at work in The Craft today. We join the conversation in progress.

Support the show

Recorded sometime between 2016 and 2017, this early recording has friend of the show Professor Harbinger interviewing myself, Troy the Devil-Man. In this we cover some of my early occult interests, geek out on popular culture, and enjoy each others company.

Many of the opinions I express have changed. In particular, my thoughts around the issue of Women in Freemasonry are best expressed in episode 12 of this podcast. Any other controversial statements I make should be taken with a grain of salt as it is likely I have changed my mind.  Apologies for the low sound quality, but the fun nature of the conversation and topics covered make up for it, I think so anyway. Enjoy our chit chat. 

Support the show

Most Worshipful Brother Philip Durell was installed as Grand Master of The Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon in June of 2014. His year in the Grand East coincided with my year as Worshipful Master of the Duke of Connaught Lodge and we spent a lot of time together in lodge at that time. His thoughts about The Craft and the men who practice it have been very influential on my interpretation of Freemasonry. 

Support the show

Esotericism in Freemasonry Conference was first held in Seattle in 2017. We have held this event three times in person and twice virtually over the past five years. EFC is a place where practitioners and academics can come together to discuss topics of mutual interest in an open and receptive forum. We accept presentations from both members of The Craft and non-members. The call for papers for our 2022 event has just closed, but we encourage interested parties to submit an outline for consideration for future events. 

Brother Wes Regan was already featured in Episode 4. He will be presenting his paper “The Disenchantment (And Re-Enchantment) of North American Freemasonry” at EFC2022. Brother Ken Lane is the Co-Founder of EFC and a Founding Member of Esoterika Lodge #316 in Seattle Washington. The first part of our discussion covers why we feel events like EFC are crucial to Freemasonry. 
www.esotericmasonry.com

Support the show

Athena has been practicing Occult arts daily for over 30 years. She operates Enochian.org and has spent all of her career teaching students, constructing and consecrating magical implements and jewelry, and organizing training retreats for others. She has traveled abroad for decades, receiving formal training in Egypt, Haiti and Togo. Athena has published 5 books including “The Grimoire of Enochian Magick” and has completed the very challenging Abramelin operation. 

This event was recorded in early December 2020. It was organized so that both of us could answer questions to the people who joined us online, so you might hear more from me than you normally might. Future episodes in this format are still being explored. If you have a question that you would like to ask Athena or myself, head on over to scholomance.ca and fill in the Ask The Occultist form listed on our website. Please enjoy this Q&A. 

Support the show

Cleola Bostic serves as the Senior Warden for Universalis Lodge #21 located in New York City under the Women’s Grand Lodge of Belgium (GLFB) and is a dual member of Liberty #3 in Washington D.C. under the Grand Lodge of George Washington Union. In addition to her lodge work and busy life schedule, she is the Second Vice President for the Maryland Masonic Research Society. Although she has been a Freemason for 11 years, her love for history and research stems from her upbringing as a native Alexandria Virginian with deep family roots in America’s Historic Triangle – Jamestown, Williamsburg, Yorktown. She enjoys traveling and being in fellowship with like-minded Freemasons worldwide. 

This episode was recorded in early December 2021, so please forgive our now out-of-season holiday greetings. 

Support the show

Professor Harbinger has been a student of occultism for more than 25 years. He blends a passion for gaming, popular culture, and graphic novels with a lifetime interest in esotericism.  I find his particular viewpoints and original works to be quite innovative and highly recommend his website. Check out Professor Harbinger’s School for Villians at professorharbinger.com

Support the show

Chris Bennett has been researching the historical role of cannabis in the spiritual life of humanity for more than three decades. His the author or co-author of four books including Liber 420: Cannabis, Magickal Herbs and the Occult (2018). Bennett’s research has received international attention from the BBC, The Guardian, Sunday Times, Washington Post, Vice and other media sources. He currently resides in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

His passion for this subject matter is obvious!  I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. 

Support the show