chrisorapello
Host of "The Infinite and the Beyond" an esoteric podcast for the introspective pagan mind. The show explores a variety of topics which relate to life and one's unique spiritual journey. Topics center around paganism, occultism, parapsychology, science, society, and culture in the 21st century.
Between Oraia and Helene
The Infinite and the Beyond — Podcast: Episode #024 — Between Oraia and Helene
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In the latest episode of The Infinite and the Beyond, we speak with fellow podcaster Oraia Helene from Between the Earth and Stars and talk about her recent changes with her name, producing her shows, how she balances her scientific side with her magickal side, her work as a writer and podcaster, and have a great time doing it. We also speak with Inanna Gabriel from Misanthrope Press regarding the new pagan story anthology Etched Offerings 
Voices from the Cauldron of Story. In A Corner in the Occult, we learn about Scientist, Thelemite and 20th century Occultist Jack Parsons who, interestingly enough, has a crater on the moon named after him. Listen and found out why! And later in the show we discuss the Powers of the Sphinx in The Essence of Magick. To know, to dare, to will, to keep silent, and to go are crucial to the developing student of mysticism. Also in the episode we feature a great song from the Philadelphia band Espers an emerging indie band and we close the show with a special musical holiday treat from SCHOLAR the occultist and rapper. All this and more in this delightful episode!
To message the show please go here.
The Kybalion with Philip Deslippe
The Infinite and the Beyond — Episode #23 — The Kybalion with Philip Deslippe
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In the latest episode of The Infinite and the Beyond, we look into the history of The Kybalion with author Philip Deslippe, who wrote the extensive introduction for the newly released book The Kybalion, The Definitive Edition. Seemingly shrouded in mystery, The Kybalion has been a popular text for the last one hundred years that and has been a big influence in many people’s lives. In the early episodes of this podcast we went through The Kybalion and the seven hermetic laws that it discusses. In our conversation with Philip Deslippe we learn about some of his recent findings in regards to the text and its author William Walker Atkinson and we wrap up our discussion with Atkinson’s lost book The Seven Cosmic Laws just now appearing in print.
In “A Corner in the Occult” we look into famous American occultist, Tarot expert, and author Paul Foster Case. Not only was Case an initiate of the famous Alpha et Omega and even a Freemason, but he was also the founder of the Builders of the Adytum an Order following in the tradition of the Western Esoteric Tradition which still exists to this day …
Life and Living
The Infinite and the Beyond — Episode #22 — Life and Living
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In the latest episode 
of The Infinite and the Beyond, we talk about late Llewellyn author Scott Cunningham in A Corner in the Occult. Many Pagans and or Wiccans often find Scott’s books on their journey as Pagans. Many find his books on magick and religion uplifting and at times pertinent to their growing views on life and existence.
We also look into the idea of human flourishing and happiness and how to create it in one’s life. Are you happy? Are you flourishing? How would you define and list your values and virtues? Would you say that they are serving you and your life beneficially? Learn about virtue and Eudaimonia and how your life lives up to the teachings of Aristotle and other philosophers. See how some of the new virtue systems found in modern Paganism stand in comparison to a tried and true system which comes from Plato as we find an elementary way to update it for modern use.
Conspiracies and World Peace
The Infinite and the Beyond — Podcast: Episode #021 — Conspiracies and World Peace
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In the latest episode of The Infinite and the Beyond, we look into the popular issues with conspiracy theories and uncover the truth behind what they are. Is the government really spying us? Do conspiracy theories actually reveal anything significant or is there something deeper and more personal behind their existence in the world?
In “A Corner in the Occult” we visit early 20th century Germany and discuss the Nazis and the issues pertaining to their possible involvement with occultism. Many people like to attribute their rise to power and the events pertaining to the Second World War to their involvement in the occult arts and even demonic influence.
We also read some listener email and in “The Essence of Magick” series we talk about visualization and astral projection. Learn why visualization is so important to the magickal arts and learn how to astral project in this episode’s installment of this great and informative series!
And to close, we finish the episode with a look into the ever present concern and pursuit for world peace. Take a new perspective on the issues surrounding world peace and why it may not be the easiest thing to accomplish after all despite what some people say about it.
Reiki, Yoga, and Wellness
The Infinite and the Beyond — Podcast: Episode #020 — Reiki, Yoga, and Wellness
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In this episode we go on location to talk about Reiki and Yoga with Janet Watkins from Live in Joy Yoga and Wellness in Audubon, NJ. Janet shares with us some of her experiences and insights as a registered Yoga instructor and Reiki Master.
We learn about Russian healer, prophet, and monk Grigori Rasputin in A Corner in the Occult. Rasputin was the adviser to the Russian royal family during the turn of the 20th century which was an unusual position of power for someone who wasn’t born of Russian Nobility and it would be this position that would eventually lead to his elaborate and trial some death in 1916. He is often argued by some to have contributed greatly to the fall of the Romanov Dynasty in 1917, which was the last dynasty to rule…
Dissecting Wicca
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In the latest episode of The Infinite and the Beyond, we dissect and learn about the contemporary pagan religion known of as Wicca. We speculate about some of its primary roots and influences and go into more depth than most books on subject ever seem to go. Find out what makes Wicca what it is and what makes a Wiccan a Wiccan in this break down of the religion of Wicca.
We learn about Doreen Valiente in this episode’s edition of A Corner in the Occult. The famed Mother of Modern Witchcraft played a crucial role in the existence and development of Wicca throughout the entirety of the twentieth century. Doreen was one of Gerald Gardners early High Priestesses and later authored of several well respected texts on witchcraft and became the Patron of the Center for Pagan Studies in 1995.
In the Essence of Magick we look into the idea, practice, and significance of ritual initiation and the role it plays in groups and in religions such as Wicca. We even discuss the idea behind the popular modern Wiccan practice of self-initiation and…
Low Magick
The Infinite and the Beyond — Podcast: Episode #018 — Low Magick
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In the latest episode of The Infinite and the Beyond, we welcome back author Lon Milo DuQuette and talk about the rerelease of his Tarot of Ceremonial Magick and his new book Low Magick: It’s all in your head… You just have no idea how big your head is and we touch upon some of what he mentions in it; like his discomfort with the ideas of low and high magick, his concept of The Great G, pop goes Ganesha, and the celebrating of Christmas as a non-Christian.
We discuss my appearance on Beyond the Threshold with Gary Blackheart that occurred back in November. Gary took me beyond the threshold we discussed some touchy and often difficult issues that I have mentioned in the past on this podcast. I elaborate on my crisis of faith and come to some refreshing conclusions…
Ghosts and Loyd Auerbach
The Infinite and the Beyond — Podcast: Episode #017 — Ghosts and Loyd Auerbach
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In the latest episode of The Infinite and the Beyond, we speak to Parapsychologist Loyd Auerbach about his experiences as a paranormal investigator. Loyd runs the Office of Paranormal Investigations out in California and has been consulted and featured on many shows dealing with hauntings and the paranormal. Loyd talks to us about being a parapsychologist and ghosts, educational opportunities, investigating, and we even discuss some of the current television shows that depict paranormal investigation.
I share some of my own personal ghost stories, one of which occurred when I was very young and the other when I was much older. My interest in the paranormal started from this very early experience as a child; while the other experience taught me that you never know when you’re being watched and by whom.
We learn about famous escape artist and medium debunker Harry Houdini in A Corner in the Occult. Can you untie knots with your toes? Houdini could! Learn about this famous magician, his battle with the spiritualist movement during the early 20th century and why he is spotlighted in this episode’s edition of A Corner in the Occult…
A Crisis of Faith
The Infinite and the Beyond — Podcast: Episode #016 — A Crisis of Faith
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In the latest episode of The Infinite and the Beyond, we talk with fellow podcaster and author Jeva Singh-Anand about his new book Bedtime Stories for the Faint of Heart. Jeva is the host of the Lance and Graal podcast and Professor Zarnoff’s Channel on YouTube. We also discuss his background as a former Christian Fundamentalist and what happened to cause him to move away from his life as a fundamentalist.
I go back to Lodge after a year of staying away from it and I share my experiences with that return. We learn about 16th century heresy in this episode’s edition of A Corner in the Occult as we learn about Father Giordano Bruno. I read a single listener message to a nostalgic pagan podcaster music track. I also announce a contest for this episode.
Ergo, the Ego
The Infinite and the Beyond — Podcast: Episode #015 — Ergo, the Ego
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In the latest episode we discuss the Ego, ergo the name of this episode, and we explore some of the issues surrounding it with prominent occult author and musician Lon Milo DuQuette as well as talk about his new book titled Low Magick: It’s All In Your Head … You Just Have No Idea How Big Your Head Is.
Not only is Lon Milo DuQuette the author of over a dozen books on western esotericisim, but he is also the United States Deputy Grand Master of the O:.T:.O:., an expert on the life of and work of Aleister Crowley, and a Brother Freemason as well. In my interview with Lon he shares some his personal insights and tales in regards to the ego and we even address the role that the ego plays in groups and fraternal…
Discover ‘Hidden Wisdom’ with Tim Wallace-Murphy
Galileo facing the Roman Inquisition. Painting by Cristiano Banti (1857).
Chris Orapello writes on The Infinite and The Beyond:
Tim Wallace-Murphy, co author of Rosslyn, The Knights of the Holy Grail, and other books dealing with the Knights Templar and the Freemasons, presents humankind’s pursuit to enlightenment with his new release Hidden Wisdom, Secrets of the Western Esoteric Tradition.
In this book Tim Wallace-Murphy takes a look into the evolution of human spirituality and its relationship as a species to divinity and the manifested world throughout the periods of civilization. Starting with the dawn of time and continuing up to the present day, he provides a historical commentary on the growth of thought and through his focus establishes a chain of understanding while revealing some of the pivotal relationships that exist between the faiths, theologies, philosophies as well as the political, social, industrial and technological elements of human growth that have developed over…
Magick With Dr. Dean Radin
The Infinite and the Beyond — Podcast: Episode #014 — Magick with Dr. Dean Radin
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In the latest episode of The Infinite and the Beyond, we learn about the legendary 14th century French alchemist Nicolas Flamel in “A Corner in the Occult.”
Rumors say that Nicholas and his wife were able to turn mercury into gold and as a result of their experiments possibly even created the mystical Elixir of Life providing them both with immortality.
We talk with author and parapsychologist Dr. Dean Radin, senior scientist at the Institute of Noetic Sciences and author of Entangled Minds, Extrasensory Experiences in a Quantum Reality.
During the course of the interview we talk about the Global Consciousness Project and touch upon what this could mean for the world. We also discuss his experiences as a research scientist and finally how his findings and current understandings relate to the art and practice of magick.
I also…
A Little Bit of Bohemia
The Infinite and the Beyond — Podcast: Episode 13 — A Little Bit of Bohemia
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In the latest episode of The Infinite and the Beyond, we look into bohemianism and its similarities to modern paganism. The history of bohemianism reveals a lot about modern paganism and even indicates much of where modern pagan ideals and sense of community have come from.
People typically often compare modern pagans to the hippies of the 1960s, but as we find out, the roots of the all of those counter culture movements from the last one hundred years run so much deeper!
Join us as we journey into the world of Green Fairy as we discuss absinthe the famous mythic bohemian drink of writers, artists, composers, and actors from the late 19th century. We look into absinthe’s brief history and learn how to prepare it, enjoy it, and how to buy it.
The Goddess and the Grail
The Infinite and the Beyond — Podcast: Episode #012 — The Goddess and the Grail
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In the latest episode of The Infinite and the Beyond, we bring South Jersey Pagan Pride Day into the studio as we look into bloodlines, genetics, grail lore, the divine feminine, and what we can learn from it with Foundation Capstone teacher Ken Neuhauser. In many stories, seeking the grail implied a great quest across the landscape to far and distant lands; a seeming impossible goal of immense proportions. In the modern day we learn this is often not the case and is more often an aspect of mythology which has its own lessons to reveal to the seeker of the ancient mysteries.
In A Corner in the Occult we learn all about medium and psychic Madame Helena Petrovna Blavatsky and her organization the Theosophical Society. To this day the influence and legacy of Madame Blavatsky continues to affect the occult, esoteric, and new age communities. Her books, teachings, and experiences still strike at the hearts and lives of many devoted followers over a hundred years later.
Along with all this, I’m finally able to play a song that I’ve been waiting to play since the beginning of this podcast and I play more music by South Jersey singer songwriter Stacey Fitzpatrick whom we met in back in Episode #011 — Coincidence and Synchronicity. Later in the show we find out which two lucky listeners won the first two copies of Stacey’s album Forever More. All this and more in this informative and fun episode!
To message the show please go here.
Coincidence and Synchronicity
The Infinite and the Beyond: Episode #011: Coincidence and Synchronicity
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In the latest episode of The Infinite and the Beyond, in this coincidental episode I explore the Principle of Cause and Effect as we continue with our journey through The Kybalion, which opens a slew of issues for us to analyze and consider as we try and understand the functions of cosmos.
We talk with South Jersey singer songwriter Stacey Fitzpatrick to learn about her music, her spiritual interests, and her passion for professional wrestling. I even play some of her great music during the course of the episode.
In A Corner in the Occult we learn all about influential Swiss Psychiatrist Carl Gustav Jung and his ideas of the Archetype, the Collective Unconscious, and Synchronicity; as we realize how much occultism and the paranormal played a part in his theories and understanding of the human mind.
I read some of the listener email that came in since Episode #010 – Death and Necromancy and we find out which lucky listener won the resin pentacle wall plaque and I announce the music CD contest for Episode 12!
We even talk with local High Priest PanOrpheus about divination and his upcoming workshop at the Ecumenicon Interfaith Conference occurring at the end of March in Potomac, Maryland.
And to close, I try and make sense of all the crazy stuff that we’ve unearthed during this episode. Enjoy!
To message the show please visit the contact page of the show website.
Death and Necromancy
The Infinite and the Beyond: Episode #010: Death and Necromancy
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What does it mean to truly die and what how do those in our lives, past and present, effect our existence? In this extra long episode of The Infinite and the Beyond we talk about death, the greatest rite of passage of them all by addressing its meaning and reality as well as how it affects the meaning of life.
We talk to Ray Sette about being a Psychic Astrologer. We discuss his experiences with the paranormal, death, the afterlife, as well as the current pop culture frenzy surrounding December 21, 2012.
We learn about occult history’s dynamic duo, Dr. John Dee and Sir Edward Kelley, as well as their most influential contribution to western esotericism, Enochian Magic, in A Corner in the Occult.
I read listener email and we find out which two lucky listeners won the goathead wall plaques from Episode #008 – That Old Black Magick. I share some personal stories regarding my experiences with death and medical cadavers.
And to close we discuss necromancy, Spiritualism, ouija boards, electronic voice phenomena (EVP), and I play and breakdown one of my favorite EVPs that I’ve recorded over the years.
To message the show please visit the contact page of the show website.
Pagan Pride Day
The Infinite and the Beyond — Podcast: Episode #009 — Pagan Pride Day
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In the latest episode of The Infinite and the Beyond, we show our south Jersey pride by revisiting South Jersey Pagan Pride Day, which occurred back on October 11th, 2009. Despite what you’ve heard, we learn that Pagan Pride has nothing to do with joining a biker gang! As here on the east coast some people may not be so sure of that fact and we become exposed to the Pagan Pride Project which is an international organization and phenomena.
We speak with Henry Buchy about the Feri Tradition. Henry is a Feri Initiate, teacher and member of The Covenant of Rhiannon, which is a coven based down in the historic town of Cape May New Jersey and is proclaimed as being the oldest etsablished coven in South Jersey Area. He was also one of the presenters at Pagan Pride Day this year!
In A Corner in the Occult, we learn about Gerald Gardner, the Father of Wicca, who was a British civil servant in Malayasia during the early years of the 20th century. He had a great appreciation for native cultures and ritual and was an amatuer anthropologist, author, and world traveler. Strangely enough, he didn’t get involved with the British witchcraft tradition until he retired to the New Forest area of England in the 1930s.
We speak with South Jersey Pagan Pride secretary Janet Mays. I read listener letters. And to close I sit back down to recap the day with Amie Tolomeo who we spoke with in Episode #007 – Paganism and Being Pagan. All this and more!
To message the show please go here.
That Old Black Magick
The Infinite and the Beyond — Podcast: Episode #008 — That Old Black Magick
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In this episode of The Infinite and the Beyond, we eplore the darker aspects of occult history by tracing the origins of the black magick tradition to the ancient grimoires and the early years of the Catholic Church in A Corner in the Occult.
We take a personal stab and hopefully kill the concepts of good and evil as we study how they are understood and often applied in one’s life. We have some fun with a capital W which addresses a long standing concern of mine.
In our journey through The Kybalion, we look into the Principle of Polarity which addresses polaric concepts and their empty dependence on each other and their illusionary, if not typically superficial, professed separatness.
I read listener email and announce a contest for this episode. I play a variety of show promos in support of the podkin and other podcasts I enjoy. All this and more as we address the controversial idea and existence of black magick from a traditional as well as from a philosophical perspective throughout the entirety of the show.
To message the show please go here.
Paganism and Being Pagan
The Infinite and the Beyond — Podcast: Episode #007 — Paganism and Being Pagan
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In this episode of The Infinite and the Beyond, we have a discussion of the meaning of the word Paganism and explore the idea of being Pagan with Amie Tolomeo co-owner of Sun and Moon a south Jersey Metaphysical Shoppe and co-coordinator of the South Jersey Pagan Pride Day. Amie offers us some wonderful feedback from her own path, life and her experience as a metaphysical store owner and organizer of major local yearly south Jersey event.
I respond to listener email and getting into a personal reveal about paranormal investigation. Like how to spot poor investigative practices, recognize misinformed and disfunctional ghost hunter groups before you even get involved with them, as well as how to debunk paranormal reality television as if that needed to be addressed! If you have a favorite ghost TV show you could be in for a surprise. Check it out!
We learn about Hermes Trismegistus and Hermeticism in A Corner of the Occult. Hermes and his alleged legacy is the foundation for western esotericism, occultism, and modern paganism. The thrice greatest man himself is not to go unrecognized by anyone from the western mystery tradition come and find out why!
We see who won the copy of Arthur Hinds’ album Poetry of Wonder, whom we met in episode six. And as we continue with our journey through The Kybalion we discuss the Principle of Vibration. It’s a big episode! Enjoy!
To message the show please go here.
