Peter Jenx is the guest on this episode of Thelema NOW, and Harper talks to him on the occasion of the release of the long-awaited sequel to his first book “The Thai Occult.” “The Thai Occult Two” explores the wide regional variations in Thai folk magic. This interview explores the place of the “ajarn” or local sorcerer in Thailand, their selection and training. We also talk about the nature of the lineages, and how the tradition – even the magic itself – changes with the needs of the people the ajarns serve. This is a wild ride! 

Besides the amazing things that Peter says in this interview, he tells us that he is nearly done writing the third in the series; be assured that you’ll hear Peter Jenx’s voice again on TN when that book is released!

In this episode of ThelemaNOW, Harper talks with actor, dancer, director and ceremonial magician Robert Allen about his new book Imago: Body. Vision. Magick, recently released by Theion Publishing.

The book leads us to some amazing discussions about the very significant overlap between magick and theater, and the history of the image, and Robert reveals one of the many useful exercises in the book.

To buy the book: https://theionpublishing.com/shop/imago/ To learn about Robert’s workshops: https://performancemovementmagick.com/

From virtual sabbaths to live streaming services, technology is profoundly changing how we engage in and experience religion. From remote communities to online pilgrimages, our ancient faith traditions are entering a new era of the digital age – one that can provide opportunities for greater connection, understanding, and celebration among people around the globe. In this blog post, we will explore how virtual veneration is being used to revolutionize religious involvement today through access to religious content online as well as enabling faith-based apps like prayer walls and social networks. We’ll also look into what potential impact technology could have on spiritual practice in the coming years. Whether you consider yourself a tech enthusiast or dabbler — let’s dive into this fascinating exploration of modernizing religion!

In today’s digital age, virtual religious services have become increasingly popular, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. By utilizing video conferencing, live streaming, and other online tools, people from all over the world can participate in religious gatherings and practices without leaving their homes. This change has brought about a new era of accessibility, inclusivity, and convenience for those who may not have been able to participate in physical gatherings before. Furthermore, many religious communities have embraced technology and adapted their practices to fit the virtual format, creating unique experiences that are exclusive to online participants. As technology continues to evolve, it’s interesting to see how virtual religious services will continue to shape and transform the way people practice their faith.

Virtual worship has become increasingly popular, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. While some might argue that it doesn’t quite compare to in-person services, the benefits of virtual worship should not be overlooked. For one, it offers incredible convenience, allowing people to participate in services from the comfort of their own homes. Additionally, virtual worship can be a great way for people who might not otherwise have access to a community of believers to connect with others and feel a sense of belonging. Plus, it opens up opportunities for people to attend services that they might not have been able to attend otherwise, whether due to distance, disability, or other reasons. Overall, virtual worship is a powerful tool that can help bring people together and foster a sense of unity and community, even from afar.

As the pandemic continues to change the way we create and consume content, many religious services have turned to virtual platforms to offer their services. Unfortunately, the transition has not been without its challenges. From technical issues to feeling disconnected from community members, virtual religious services have posed obstacles that religious leaders are still trying to navigate. Despite this, there are some silver linings. Virtual religious services have enabled worshippers to participate in services without geographical limitations and have made religious services accessible to those who may have previously struggled to attend in-person services. As the world continues to adapt, it will be interesting to see how virtual religious services evolve and whether they will continue to play a significant role even after the pandemic subsides.

Technology has the amazing ability to enhance traditional religious practices, allowing for new kinds of experiences that weren’t possible before. For example, virtual reality can transport worshippers to faraway holy sites or provide a glimpse of different religious ceremonies and customs. Additionally, technology allows for greater access to religious texts and teachings, with online databases of religious texts and apps providing guided meditations and prayers. Social media platforms can also create communities of believers who may not have access to physical religious centers, providing a sense of connection and support. Ultimately, technology can serve as a valuable tool in enhancing and enriching traditional religious practices, providing new opportunities for spiritual growth and connection.

As the pandemic continues to restrict in-person gatherings, more and more people are turning to virtual worship services. While this alternative has allowed religious communities to stay connected and continue their practices, there are concerns about potential dangers associated with virtual worship. One concern is the risk of technological malfunctions that could disrupt services. Another worry is the lack of accountability and oversight, with some fearing that virtual worship services could be used to spread harmful or extremist messaging. There is also the threat of scams and fraud when going online for religious purposes, with some people preying on the vulnerable and taking advantage of people’s trust. It’s important to be aware of these potential dangers and take steps to protect ourselves while participating in virtual worship services.

As technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, it is not just changing the way we work and communicate, but also how we experience spirituality. With the rise of virtual reality and augmented reality technologies, a whole new world of spiritual experiences is being created. From virtual trips to sacred places around the world to immersive guided meditations, technology is making it possible for people to connect with their spirituality in completely new ways. Even traditional religious practices like prayer and meditation can be enhanced with the use of apps and wearables that track biometric data and provide personalized feedback. As we continue to explore the intersection of technology and spirituality, it is clear that the possibilities are endless and that we have only scratched the surface of what is possible.

It is evident that virtual religious services have become an integral part of our lives in this digital era. Through virtual worship, people can practice their faith with greater convenience and flexibility, while still engaging in meaningful ways. However, there are also potential challenges to be aware of, such as technological issues that could potentially disrupt the user experience. Even so, technology is undoubtedly enriching traditional religious practices and is even creating new types of spiritual experiences. The various ways in which technology has had a positive impact on religion demonstrate the great potential of virtual religious services going forward. Of course though, ultimately it is up to each individual worshipper to decide whether virtual worship best suits their needs for spiritual connection and growth.

The post Virtual Veneration: How Technology is Reshaping Religious Experiences first appeared on Moderngnosis.

In this episode of ThelemaNOW, Harper talks with Brian Cotnoir on the occasion of the release of his new book “On Alchemy.” Brian has been practicing alchemy as the art and science of perfecting a process for many years. The book is your opportunity to participate in his current, along with the classic history of the practice and many illuminating exercises. Hear more about it in this fascinating discussion!

Buy the book here: On Alchemy by Brian Cotnoir: 9781786787705 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books

See more of Brian’s work here: www.KhepriPress.com

NOTOCON XIV is fast approaching! The cutoff date to receive our group rate at the hotel is Friday, July 21st. Please reserve now.

The speaker schedule has been published on the NOTOCON website. Event registration is still open! We can’t wait to see all of you in August, and wish you all safe travels!

Cybersecurity is a global concern that affects everyone, regardless of their cultural background. It’s no secret that the way we approach cyber security often depends on our point of view; different countries, social systems, and cultures inevitably lead to diverse risk management strategies and procedures. Yet despite this diversity in opinion and approaches, the importance of cyber security remains consistent across all cultures: protecting electronic data is essential for preserving individual privacy, as well as organizational integrity. Let us delve into how diverse cultural perspectives shape the ever-evolving landscape of cyber security practices—demonstrating just how integral understanding worldwide views can be when establishing effective safety protocols for today’s digital times.

Cybersecurity is a critical concern for organizations. However, you may be surprised to learn that culture plays a significant role in maintaining a secure cyber environment. Culture encompasses the values, beliefs, and norms that guide behavior within an organization. In terms of cyber security, culture can influence the way employees interact with company technology, handle sensitive data, and respond to security threats. For example, a company that emphasizes a culture of transparency and open communication may be more likely to catch and report potential security breaches than a company that is more closed off. Understanding the relationship between culture and cyber security is essential for organizations looking to establish a strong, sustainable security system.

Cybersecurity is a global concern that affects everyone, regardless of their cultural background. It’s no secret that the way we approach cyber security often depends on our point of view; different countries, social systems, and cultures inevitably lead to diverse risk management strategies and procedures. Yet despite this diversity in opinion and approaches, the importance of cyber security remains consistent across all cultures: protecting electronic data is essential for preserving individual privacy, as well as organizational integrity. Let us delve into how diverse cultural perspectives shape the ever-evolving landscape of cyber security practices—demonstrating just how integral understanding worldwide views can be when establishing effective safety protocols for today’s digital times.

Cyber security is more important than ever. However, language barriers can present significant challenges when it comes to implementing effective cybersecurity practices. With a global workforce, communication between team members in different countries is critical, especially when it comes to cyber security incidents. In addition, cybercriminals are increasingly using language barriers to their advantage in their attacks. This means that we need to consider the implications of language barriers in cyber security practices and develop strategies to overcome them. The consequences of failing to do so can be devastating, not just for individual organizations, but for the wider community as a whole.

Information is currency. Every industry, regardless of size or specialty, requires data protection protocols. However, not all cultures approach the subject of data protection and privacy in the same way. Some cultures value individual privacy more highly thus they have protection for identity theft, while others prioritize collective security. Understanding how different cultures approach data protection responsibilities is essential in today’s ever-evolving digital landscape. Examining these differences can ultimately lead to improved collaboration, communication, and respect for differing viewpoints as we strive to protect our most valuable resource – information.

The impact of cultural values on these security measures is often overlooked. Different cultures have different attitudes and beliefs when it comes to privacy, data sharing, and even the use of technology itself. These cultural values can greatly influence the way individuals approach cyber security protocols, which in turn can have a significant impact on the effectiveness of those protocols. Understanding and acknowledging the role of cultural values in cyber security is an important step towards creating more comprehensive and inclusive strategies to protect our digital lives.

Many cyber security policies and practices have been developed with a limited cultural perspective, which can lead to unintended consequences and biases. Identifying opportunities to integrate various cultural perspectives into these policies and practices can not only improve their effectiveness but also ensure that they are equitable and inclusive. By fostering collaboration and dialogue across diverse groups, we can create more robust cybersecurity measures that better meet the needs of everyone. With the rapid pace of technological advancement, there has never been a more urgent time to prioritize these important conversations.

Cultural values and attitudes around cyber security have an immense impact on how cyber security protocols, policies, and practices are developed. It is essential organizations ensure they are aware of how culture affects data protection responsibilities in order to create secure systems. In doing so, it is even more imperative to consider the implications of language barriers as well as how different cultures approach cyber security. By integrating culturally diverse perspectives into cyber security initiatives, complex, unified solutions can be better refined to meet the specific cultural needs of enterprises. Overall, understanding the role of culture and its influence on cyber security is critical for businesses to establish effective strategies for protecting their data assets and mitigating risks.

by Sandara | June 28, 2019 | Religion | 0 Comments

by Sandara | August 10, 2023 | Religion | 0 Comments

by Sandara | July 7, 2023 | Cyber News | 0 Comments

by Sandara | December 10, 2022 | Modern Gnosis | 0 Comments

by Sandara | July 29, 2022 | Religion | 0 Comments

by Sandara | July 22, 2022 | Modern Gnosis | 0 Comments

by Sandara | April 28, 2022 | Modern Gnosis | 0 Comments

by Sandara | December 9, 2021 | Religion | 0 Comments

by Sandara | December 1, 2021 | Religion | 0 Comments

by Sandara | August 7, 2021 | Modern Gnosis | 0 Comments

by Sandara | June 9, 2020 | Summer Church Camp | 0 Comments

The post Virtual Veneration: How Technology is Reshaping Religious Experiences first appeared on Moderngnosis.

Peter Mark Adams is an author, poet, esotericist and professional energy worker specializing in the ethnography and visuality of ritual, sacred landscape, esotericism, consciousness and healing. With a background in Philosophy from the University of Liverpool, Peter pursues advanced studies on iconology and iconographic; Renaissance art and material culture with the Warburg Institute’s School of Advanced Studies in London. Peter’s esoteric non-fiction is published through Scarlet Imprint Current offerings include the book discussed in the interview: Hagia Sophia - Sanctum of Kronos: Spiritual Dissent in an Age of Tyranny, Mystai: Dancing out the Mysteries of Dionysos and The Game of Saturn: Decoding the Sola-Busca Tarocchi. To buy Hagia Sophia – Sanctum of Kronos: https://scarletimprint.com/publications/p/hagia-sophia-sanctum-of-kronos 

To hear the remarkable sounds described by Peter in the interview: https://youtu.be/rsLgLNgA-_Q

The Summer 2023 issue of Agapé, the official journal of U.S. Grand Lodge O.T.O., is now available. This and all previous issues can be found here.

In this fascinating ThelemaNOW episode, Harper talks to friend and colleague Red K. Elders about art and movement, magic and bodies. Red’s perhaps best known for her stellar pencil drawings inspired by Greek mythological figures. She’s also a bodyworker and movement therapist. Underneath everything, she understands what it means to be nourished by the natural world, something we discuss in detail.

Click to view her principal website and one devoted to sales of her wonderful art. 

Also, we talk a bit about Red’s upcoming class with the Blackthorne School entitled Somatic Sorcery, which starts Monday, May 15!

The class description and registration site are here: https://www.theblackthorneschool.com/courses/somatic-sorcery/

For potential speakers, a handy FAQ full of useful information is available here.

In this wide-ranging interview, Scott Michael Stenwick and Harper talk about everything between John Dee and quantum mechanics, by way of Eugene Wigner and the Falkland Islands.

Scott is an author, blogger, esotericist, software developer, information technology consultant, and speculative fiction enthusiast. He writes fantasy and science fiction, and non-fiction books on the Western Esoteric Tradition. He also contributes to non-fiction anthologies that cover topics related to magical practices and esoteric spirituality.

Read more about Scott on his websites ScottStenwick.com and Blogspot.  And buy the book we discussed here or on Amazon here. 

The deadline to propose a presentation for National O.T.O. Conference XIV in Denver, CO, is May 10, 2023.

The Spring 2023 issue of Agapé, the official journal of U.S. Grand Lodge O.T.O., is now available. This and all previous issues can be found here.

Thelema Now welcomes Sasha Chaitow! Having written her Ph.D. thesis on Joséphin Péladan, Dr. Sasha Chaitow is uniquely qualified to present a complete picture of the man and his works, both from an artistic and an esoteric standpoint. In particular, she has studied and documented – and is teaching – his initiatory system. In this Thelema Now episode, Dr. Chaitow and Harper Feist discuss the metaphysical and esoteric aspects of Péladan’s life, some of which happened side by side with Aleister Crowley in Paris. Put on your seatbelt, this interview is a good one! Be sure to check out Sasha's book -Son of Prometheus: The Life and Work of Joséphin Péladan. 

Jake was a lot of things to a lot of people, clear from the hundreds of tributes written in Facebook and other social media platforms since the announcement. He was an incredibly influential magician and author, having given us Grimorium Verum, Geosophia, the Testament of Cyprian the Mage, Goetic Liturgy, Thus Spake Magnus Dictus and the Rosicrucifixion, amongst others. He also worked on each issue of Hadean Press’ Conjure Codices.

His laser-focus on relationships with spirits incited an entire generation of practitioners to a more thoughtful approach. He was a serious researcher and adept, a magical experimentalist while retaining both feet in a foundation of history and literature. Amusingly, to discover his sources, we often had to inquire personally about them. The bad part was that we couldn’t just dig through his references, the good part was that when you asked him, he would provide a stunning background and a thorough understanding of anything he’d ever written.

Jake was one of Thelema Now's favorite authors to interview because he was so damnably funny and ridiculously charming. We at Thelema, Now! wish Jake the best of future adventures. May he be granted the accomplishment of his True Will. We also wish peace and relief to Karel and the rest of his family and close colleagues.

Goodbye, Jake. And farewell.

-Harper Feist

Registration is now open for National O.T.O. Conference XIV, to be held in Denver, Colorado, August 3-6 2023. NOTOCON is normally held every two years, but it was canceled in 2021 due to the pandemic, so this will be our first NOTOCON since 2019.

The Winter 2022 issue of Agapé, the official journal of U.S. Grand Lodge O.T.O., is now available. This and all previous issues can be found here.