Back by public demand! Learn about Anton LaVey and his magical system within the Church of Satan: This class—taught by Carl Abrahamsson, author of the book Anton LaVey and the Church of Satan: Infernal Wisdom from the Devil’s Den—will present an introduction to the theory and practice of Anton LaVey’s philosophy and magic. Having founded the Church of Satan in 1966, and written the infamous The Satanic Bible in 1969, LaVey’s mind was filled not only with ancient diableries but also a vast amount of syncretisms stemming from his filtering of contemporary times, as well as the highly subjective and personal kinks and obsessions he explored and integrated. LaVey’s creative mind composed and codified a brand new kind of occultism he chose to call Satanism. This was not necessarily revolt against the monotheistic dogma of the ages but rather a celebration of a rebellious spirit that has existed in all human cultures and times —one of creativity, passion, anti-hypocrisy, magic, genuine...

In today’s WEEKLIES at our Patreon, I write about a recent visit to the Helmut Newton Museum in Berlin, and how visual/emotional patina makes for better history writing: ”I guess there’s a reason why ”vintage” photographic prints related to the photographer fetch higher prices at auctions than later ones. In part, obviously the direct magical link or association to the ”author”/photographer, but also because of the possibility of flaws or traces of time in the print in question. It makes the overall impression somehow stronger than some archival/sterile perfection. Because the inevitable passing of time means exactly decrepitude, increasing flaws, splotches, scratches, tearing, unplanned solarizations, imperfections etc. That’s really what tells the story, isn’t it? A newborn baby’s face may be adorably cute but try looking into the eyes and face of a hundred year old… Age and related wear & tear provide important and invaluable perspectives.” #helmutnewton #ejbellocq #berlin...

I caught a leaf and I liked it! Read more about leaf showers, rustlers, and poets’ attempts at figuring autumn out: ”At one point we approached an active rustler. We could actually see how the leaves were falling. I decided to try my luck and extended a hand to the sky. Yes, I caught one! I caught an orange leaf. Maybe it wanted to fall to the ground and wither away, but I felt that I at least temporarily ”saved” it as I looked at it closely and then put it in my pocket. A strange kind of joy; a poetry of the moment in union with outer nature. Does it ever get better than that? Monday morning, a walk through the park: cold, sunny, and crispy – perfect autumn. In the park the tree crowns were ablaze in yellow, orange and red. And there it was: a big rustler. I placed myself beneath it and literally showered in leaves for more than a minute. Echoes of boyhood and receiving snowflakes on my tongue. Now my hand moved here and there, gently grabbing what had been let loose from the...

A Patreon push of some 2000 magical posts! ”We have so much material at the Patreon I hardly know where to begin: pilgrimages, oracular techniques, sex magic, shamanic initiations, tarot suggestions, stories from our rituals, working with people like Genesis P-Orridge, Anton LaVey, and Kenneth Anger, psychedelic experiences, looking at creativity from a ritual perspective, adapting witchcraft to contemporary times, cut-ups as magical technique, writing itself as magical technique, meditations, runes, talismanic film- and music making, etc. There’s just so much! Of course there are other things as well at the Patreon: what we do and why, and what’s up this particular period/week? We are very close to two thousand posts at this moment, so as you can imagine there’s a whole lot there: photos, films, private stories, news, recommendations about other good people, and so on. If you want to check out real magic right here, right now, look no further.” #23rdmind #vanessasinclair...