What Magic Is This‪?‬ Douglas Batchelor

If there is one single concept which has been associated with Magic for the last 2000 years, none would be more notorious than Demons & Infernal Spirits. For centuries, the idea of illness, misfortune and all aspects of evil have been personified as a class of spirits. How they are conceptualized by different religions and spiritual traditions is fascinating and in a way- the key to understanding these faiths and how they view evil. Everyone has an idea in their head as to what demons are or if they even exist. It is time to put them front and centre as we look closer at these agents of malevolence.

For the most part, What Magic is This? Podcast has stuck to the cozy realm of "Western" Magic and Occultism. Yet the listeners beg for a more expansive examination of the magical world we live in! It is with such curiosity that we head East to the continent of Asia and the country of China and take a look at some of the Magic which has arisen within the diverse tradition of Taoism. Helping us along the way is Chinese Magical practitioner and author of Practical Chinese Magic- Jason Read!

No list of early 20th century Magicians would be complete without Dion Fortune being there. Although many these days might not know her name, her books, or the magical order that she founded, nevertheless Dion Fortune's influence on contemporary magic is vast. Although she considered herself an occultist and ceremonial magician, it is within the realms of Wicca and Neopaganism that we can see much of Dion's impact. Helping us through the world of one of most notorious Occultists of the last 150 years is magic and paranormal author and researcher, Professor WHAM!

Just like today, our ancient ancestors would utilize magic through the use of amulets, talismans and other materials. Some of these we have to this day, and many are on display in museums around the world- amazing snapshots of magical beliefs of a bygone age. But these objects have much to tell us not only about the sorts of magic we used to do, but the spiritual and magical ecosystems from where they were produced. Helping us examine these amazing ancient magical artefacts is an Archeologist of Ancient Magic- Dr. Kirsten Dzwiza!

Two figures who have changed the cultural and artistic landscape of the west, also happened to be great friends that inspired each other. One of them you most likely might have heard of. The other is virtually unknown these days. For a period of time, William Burroughs and Brion Gysin shared what they called "The Third Mind," a collaborative process which saw both figures egging each other on to greater heights of inspiration and creativity. But what helped them during this process? Magic of course. For the first time ever in the Fools Gallery, we look at two artists in the same episode, and are joined by musician, author and Podcaster Vic Hyland!

The most enduring mystery of the last 100 years has been the phenomenon of what appear to be ships or craft in the sky which completely defy gravity. Along with sightings of these craft, there emerged other phenomena including the idea of aliens from other galaxies as well as people being taken aboard these ships and meeting the extraterrestrials in what can be called abductions. Everyone in the western world knows about Unidentified Flying Objects and what they get up to. But is there another way to approach the whole topic that makes it something more than just wondering about visitors from other planets? It's time to take a different perspective on the whole mystery.