Unveiling the Mysteries of the Occult: A Personal Journey
"The fear that ultimately drove me into the realms of darkness was the love of God that pulled me out." - BT Wallace
Welcome to the latest entry on our blog, where I (Brandon) recount the fascinating discussion from a recent episode of the Unrefined Podcast. I had the pleasure of hosting Brandon Wallace (BT), a writer, podcaster and close friend who had a profound journey through the realms of the occult.
From Christianity to Wicca: A Spiritual Evolution
BT’s story begins in a Christian environment, a foundation that many can relate to. However, life's twists and turns led him to question the beliefs he grew up with. His candid recount of drifting towards agnosticism before finding solace in the Wiccan worldview was nothing short of captivating. He introduced us to the concept of pantheism, which sees the universe itself as a divine entity, a stark contrast to his Christian upbringing.
Aleister Crowley and the Lure of the Occult
Our conversation took a deeper dive as BT shared his intrigue with the infamous Aleister Crowley. His study of Crowley's esoteric practices opened a door to a world where magic wasn't just a fantasy. BT’s research into Crowley's methods, particularly his scientific approach to breathing techniques, provided a unique insight into the structured world of the occult.
The Art of Scrying and Angelic Communication
The discussion expanded to include historical figures like Henry Cornelius Agrippa and the practice of scrying. BT explained how these ancient techniques allowed practitioners to communicate with angelic beings, offering a glimpse into a world beyond our own.
Rituals, the Imaginal, and Accessing Higher Consciousness
BT’s personal experiences with occult rituals, including the use of candles and the power of intention, were particularly enlightening. He introduced us to the "imaginal," a concept by Islamic scholar Henry Corbin, which emphasizes the use of imagination to reach higher states of consciousness.
Confronting Demons: A Psychological Perspective
Perhaps one of the most poignant parts of our conversation was BT’s take on demons. He described them as representations of the darker aspects of our personalities that we must face. Sharing his own battles with depression, BT opened up about how vulnerability can sometimes invite demonic influences into our lives.
The Legalistic Nature of Demons and Their Hierarchies
We delved into the legalistic nature of demons, discussing how they can gain control over individuals who inadvertently give them permission. The distinction between various types of demons across different belief systems was a topic that sparked much interest and debate.
Final Thoughts
Our discussion with BT was not just a journey through the occult but also an exploration of the human psyche and the supernatural. His unique perspective bridged belief systems, psychology, and the supernatural, offering invaluable insights into the enigmatic world of the occult.
I hope this blog post has piqued your interest and expanded your understanding of the occult's complex tapestry. Join me on the Unrefined Podcast for more enlightening conversations.
