In the first half, historian and voice of occultism Mitch Horowitz discussed his newest book, Practical Magick, which looks at magical notions and practices from antiquity to the present. Differentiating from stage magic, he views magick as a "causative ritual," a practice that allows individuals to invoke change in their lives through intentional actions. "Magick is not only as old as recorded time, but it's even older," he remarked, noting that even Neanderthals engaged in practices resembling magic, using talismans and figurines for fertility and hunting. "Humanity has always believed that we can form some relationship with extra physical energies, unseen energies, maybe form some sort of a petitioner relationship with a deity or an ancient god," and this can assist us in making changes in our lives, he said.
He explored the intriguing intersection of magic, science, and spirituality with such figures as Jack Parsons, an American rocket scientist and occultist. Horowitz also touched on the concept of the multiverse, referencing recent advancements in quantum computing. "There are infinite intersections of time," he said, "in which there are just endless numbers of events and variations and possibilities playing out," and this could help explain phenomena like ESP and UFOs, as well as how magick helps us select the reality we want. Linking magick to spirituality, he stated, "I would define religion or spirituality as a belief in extra physicality," and noted that science is beginning to unveil the mysteries of this unseen world. For more, check out Mitch's new podcast, Extraordinary Evidence, which delves into ESP and parapsychology.
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In the latter half, thought leader Dr. Erin Fall Haskell spoke about finding the soul's purpose, spiritual awakening, and healing from trauma. She expressed her belief in the interconnectedness of souls, stating, "There's only one soul… we are one," and likened individual souls to "drops in the ocean" that contain the essence of the whole. Haskell delved into the complexities of existence and the choices souls make before incarnating. "I believe we choose everything," she stated, suggesting that every experience is part of a divine plan for growth and understanding and that we evolve over various lifetimes.
She elaborated on her E4 Trauma Method, a technique aimed at healing trauma and unlocking human potential. The biggest thing holding us back is our own consciousness, she asserted, highlighting how negative self-commands formed during traumatic experiences can dictate life patterns. The E4 method consists of four steps: Experience, Evaluation, Emotions, and Enlightenment. Haskell explained, "We have to go back into that traumatic incident... fully experience it, without evaluating it," to allow for healing. She articulated that trauma is not just about major life events but can stem from any emotional division within oneself. Trauma "is a tear in the soul," she shared, underscoring the necessity of healing to restore one's true identity.
Haskell also discussed the broader impact of individual healing, suggesting that personal transformation can affect up to twelve generations backward and forward. "When we heal ourselves, we are healing the collective," she affirmed.
News segment guests: Lauren Weinstein, Steve Kates