Ultraculture With Jason Louv

In this episode, Jason explores one of the most important texts in world spirituality: The Dark Night of the Soul by St. John of the Cross. St. John was a 16th-century Carmelite monk who helped St. Teresa of Ávila reform the Carmelite order—and was kidnapped and imprisoned by rival monks for nine months, during which he composed this classic text on spiritual transformation. In this episode, you'll learn: - Why the "dark night" is not depression, but a necessary stage of spiritual development - The three signs that distinguish true spiritual purgation from mere lukewarmness - How God "weans" the soul like a mother teaching a child to walk - Why divine light appears as darkness to the unprepared soul ("a ray of darkness") - The ten steps of the ladder of love leading to union with God - How suffering is more secure than pleasure on the spiritual path Key quote: "He who shines with the greatest light shall cast the darkest shadow." If you've ever felt spiritually dry, disconnected, or like God has withdrawn His

BLACK FRIDAY ENDS TOMORROW AT MIDNIGHT: friday.magick.me This episode goes out on the final day of the Black Friday sale for a reason. What you're about to hear is Eliphas Levi's chapter on The Magician from Transcendental Magic (1856)—the first chapter of the first modern book on ceremonial magic ever written. Levi is going to lay out exactly what it takes to become an adept—"a person who is achieved by will and by work." He's going to talk about the four powers of the Sphinx: To know, to dare, to will, to keep silence. He's going to talk about why most people never make it. And he's going to say something that hit me hard when I first read it: "Those qualified for initiation no longer finding initiators, and the leaders of conscience becoming in the laps of time as uninstructed as the vulgar, the blind have grown weary of following the blind." That's the problem I've spent ten years trying to solve. That's why Magick.Me exists. That's why I built The Adept Initiative. Listen to Levi. Really listen. And then

BLACK FRIDAY SALE: https://friday.magick.me — Our best three offers OF ALL TIME. Sale ends December 2nd or when we run out (slots limited)! In this episode, Jason dives deep into epistemology—how we actually determine what's true and what's not in an age of overwhelming information, AI-generated content, and competing narratives. He explores practical frameworks for critical thinking, discusses the difference between knowledge and belief, and offers tools for navigating uncertainty without falling into either gullibility or paranoid skepticism. Topics covered: epistemological frameworks, critical thinking tools, media literacy, discernment practices, the role of intuition vs. analysis, and how magickal practice can sharpen your ability to perceive truth.

BLACK FRIDAY SALE: https://friday.magick.me - Three paths to mastering magick, available through December 2nd only! After a year away, Jason Louv returns to discuss practical, modern Thelemic magick for functional adults. In this episode, he explores what it actually means to discover your True Will, the four fundamental principles of magick, and how to live authentically in alignment with your deepest purpose. This isn't magick for escapists or those seeking to avoid reality—it's magick for people who want to engage more fully with life, take responsibility for their existence, and become the best version of themselves. Jason breaks down the core practices and mindset shifts that have helped thousands of students transform their lives through the Western esoteric tradition. Links & Resources:

Watch the video version of this podcast on YouTube! Yes hello! Thee Very Wizard of New Zealand himself, Ari Freeman unlocks the DREAD and FORBIDDEN SECRETS of Furry Sorcery and Brony Tulpas in this conversation with Jason Louv in this, the first "actual YouTube show" episode of the Ultraculture Podcast! THINGS MAN WAS NOT MEANT TO KNOW become, most unfortunately, KNOWN. Dare ye enter the Thunderdome??? About Ari: Leading what appears to be a charmed life, Ari Freeman is, aside from being a professional musician, a writer, fortune teller, and music teacher from Christchurch New Zealand. Recognisable as the frontman of the psychedelic funk band Rhomboid, and in his one-man-band project Blues Professor. He served seven years as the apprentice to the Wizard of New Zealand before becoming a published author of ‘occult books for sceptics’. His first book Pragmatic Magical Thinking is out with Aeon Books (London) and a two volume Tarot manual, Psychic Results for Sceptics & Magical Results for the Reality Hacker

Fresh from the archives, this is a talk on the Revival of Magick that I gave at the now-defunct Catland Books in Brooklyn, NY in 2014. The quality is so-so as it was filmed on a handheld digital camcorder, but I've done my best to clean up the sound and video. In the talk, I discuss how 3rd millennium magick radically differs from the magick of the 2nd millennium, and talk about Terence McKenna, shamanism, the Book of the Law and lots more.  Links & Resources:

In this episode of the Ultraculture Podcast, I reflect on the recent attack in New Orleans, exploring its implications and the interplay of spirituality and cultural conflict. I critique the notion of universality in religion, highlighting significant disparities among belief systems, particularly regarding Islam, and discuss the historical role of the Western esoteric tradition in promoting free thought and the need for vigilance against ideologies that threaten individual freedoms.  Links & Resources:

HEADS UP: All Magick.Me courses are currently on sale for 30% off! Check out https://www.magick.me and use the code NY2025 at checkout. Also, Adept Initiative 2025 I + II presale discounts are back!! Get them at https://adept.magick.me while supplies last... tickets are selling out fast!! Jason Louv explores the intricate relationships between psychoanalysis and occult practices, emphasizing the importance of personal narrative and psychological awareness in fostering self-understanding—including an active meditation for meeting higher levels of yourself! Links & Resources:

HEADS UP: All Magick.Me courses are currently on sale for 30% off! Check out https://www.magick.me and use the code NY2025 at checkout. Also, Adept Initiative 2025 I + II presale discounts are back!! Get them at https://adept.magick.me while supplies last... tickets are selling out fast!! Jason Louv interviews Barbara Mendes, a multifaceted artist known for her underground comics and contemporary art. Mendes, affectionately known by her pen name Willie Mendes, recounts her artistic journey that began in the 1960s, during a time when female artists often faced discrimination and marginalization. She reflects on the challenges that women artists experienced, noting that much of the comic book industry, as well as the fine arts, was dominated by men. Despite these obstacles, Mendes pursued her passion for painting, which she describes as her true love. Throughout the conversation, Mendes reveals her spiritual evolution, which has shifted from exploring Eastern philosophies and African spirituality to embracing

The wonderful Duncan Trussell, who should need no introduction, returns to the show!!! PLUS: We just launched the pre-sale for the brand new, revamped ADEPT INITIATIVE I and the long, long awaited ADEPT INITIATIVE II, which we're teaching online Jan 6–Feb 14 and Mar 1–Apr 14, 2025. Join us for the ultimate megatraining in
Magick & the Occult—and Unleash Your True Self—and it's on sale for Cyber Monday Week ONLY!!! Check out the details at https://adept.magick.me — see you in class!!

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Carlos Glover as he introduces his transformative book, Earth Wisdom Teachings. In this episode, Glover shares insights from over 40 years of guiding individuals through the profound principles of the Medicine Wheel, a powerful symbol of interconnectedness that draws from ancient wisdom traditions. Glover begins by unpacking the Medicine Wheel, illustrating how it maps eight universal realms of consciousness and highlights the intimate relationship between humanity and the environment. He explains the wheel's role as both a tool for self-exploration and a means of bridging our connection to the Earth and the cosmos. Each segment of the wheel invites listeners to reflect on their own spiritual journeys. Delving into the eight intelligences in his teachings, Glover underscores the significance of present-moment awareness, enhanced through practices like meditation and nature immersion. The discussion evolves into the exploration of various states of consciousness, r

Join us for an extraordinary conversation with Carl Abrahamsson as he unveils his latest book, Meetings with Remarkable Magicians: Life in the Occult Underground. In this episode, Abrahamsson takes us through his journey into the world of magic, weaving together encounters with legendary occult figures and reflections on his own path through mysticism. Drawing from decades-old diaries, archives, and forgotten experiences, he reveals how these influences have shaped not just his practice but also his worldview. Abrahamsson discusses his start in the Ordo Templi Orientis in the late '80s, early studies of Crowley, and the allure—and eventual disillusionment—with structured magical orders. He explores the tension between hierarchy and personal empowerment in occult circles, offering a critique of charismatic systems that tend toward cult-like rigidity. We dive into his transformative experiences with traditions like the Golden Dawn and his views on the recent surge of interest in the occult amid societal crises.

In this illuminating episode of Ultraculture with Jason Louv, Jason dives deep into the transformative potential of psychedelics in mental health with guest Micah Stover, a seasoned psychedelic therapist and author of the upcoming book Healing Psychedelics. Together, they explore the complex interplay of science and spirituality in therapy, addressing how psychedelics can unlock profound healing for trauma and attachment wounds. Micah discusses the delicate balance of honoring sacred traditions while incorporating clinical practice and highlights the neurogenetic changes involved in these altered states. Tune in to gain fresh insights into how psychedelic therapy might reshape the future of mental health, helping us rediscover our true selves along the way. Links & Resources:

In this episode of the Ultraculture podcast, Jason Louv welcomes back spiritual teacher and psychic healer George Lizos to discuss his latest book, Ancient Manifestation Secrets. George reveals how ancient Hermetic philosophies can enrich modern manifestation practices by examining the authentic teachings of antiquity, rather than contemporary New Age interpretations. He provides a comprehensive definition of Hermeticism, emphasizing its blend of Greek and Egyptian traditions through the lens of Hermes Trismegistus. Exploring the often-misunderstood Kybalion, he shares insights on how cultural perspectives can shape our understanding of these ancient teachings. George critiques modern manifestation concepts, advocating for a process grounded in one's life purpose, delineating five essential steps: raising vibration, clarifying desires, releasing limiting beliefs, nurturing energies, and taking inspired action. Personal anecdotes, including a transformative visit to Delphi, illustrate his journey and the emoti

In this episode, we sit down with esteemed author Richard Kaczynski and practicing occultist Lynn Mavius for a captivating discussion on their journeys through Thelema, magic, and the intricate history surrounding figures like Aleister Crowley, J.F.C. Fuller, and Victor Neuburg. Richard opens by delving into his extensive contributions to the Western esoteric tradition, highlighting his renowned biography Perdurabo, which offers a comprehensive account of Crowley’s life. He also shares insights from his latest work, Friendship and Doubt, a deep exploration of the intertwined relationships between Crowley, Fuller, and Neuburg, and how their agnosticism and free thought shaped their magical practices and personal philosophies. Lynn complements Richard’s narrative by sharing her experiences as both a writer and a dedicated occultist. She discusses her active role within the local Pagan and Thelemic communities, where she teaches and engages with a broad spectrum of spiritual practices. As the conversation progre

In this extensive interview, Jason speaks with Charlie Larson, a teacher, writer, and a practicing pagan and witch, who delves into the themes of personal transformation and the role of deities in modern spirituality. Charlie opens up about their lifelong passion for writing, which has served as an outlet for self-expression through both his childhood struggles and adult experiences. Their journey in language began during a challenging childhood, leading to academic pursuits in linguistics and a career in teaching English as a second language. This foundation laid the groundwork for Charlie's recent project: a book focused on the deity Anubis. Charlie provides a robust overview of Anubis, the Egyptian god often associated with death but whose role encompasses greater complexities. Initially conceived as the god of the dead, Anubis's character evolved over time, especially with the rise of Osiris, leading to a nuanced view of his responsibilities, which include embalming and the weighing of hearts—a pivotal a

In this episode of ULTRACULTURE, host Jason Louv sits down with Daniel Burke, an author whose work explores the intriguing phenomenon of crisis apparitions through a cross-cultural and historical lens. Daniel introduces the concept of crisis apparitions—intense experiences where individuals become aware of a loved one’s death at a distance, often just before it occurs. Drawing from his extensive research, Daniel discusses how these events manifest as sightings, voices, intuitions, or sensations of pain, revealing a deep emotional connection between the living and the deceased. Together, Jason and Daniel delve into the psychological and cultural factors surrounding these experiences. They examine how family dynamics, societal norms, and belief systems influence the sharing and interpretation of crisis apparitions, especially in times of grief. Daniel shares personal stories and historical accounts that highlight the ubiquity of these phenomena, despite their lack of mainstream recognition, and invites listener

Judika Illes, author of "Witches: A Compendium" and "Encyclopedia of 5,000 Spells," engages in a detailed conversation about the practical aspects of magick and witchcraft. She contrasts her approach to spellbooks with those that lack actionable content, emphasizing the importance of personal experience in crafting effective spells. As a long-time participant in the magical community, Illes discusses the evolution of witchcraft and the challenges faced by new practitioners amid misinformation online. The dialogue highlights the significance of community, shared experiences, and cultural respect in magical practices. Illes elaborates on the role of intention in spellcasting and how aligning personal motivations with actions is essential for success. She views magic as an innate human experience that fosters empowerment and understanding. The conversation concludes with insights on her editorial work at Weiser Books and encourages listeners to consider the values of respect, community, and intention in their ma

In this episode, we dive deep into the life and legacy of Jim Morrison, exploring his extraordinary connection to the Western esoteric tradition and how it shaped his artistic journey.  As we dissect the prevailing narratives surrounding Jim Morrison, we emphasize the need to view him through a lens that transcends Hollywood’s portrayals. Re-examining the common misconceptions about him reveals a man deeply rooted in intellectualism and spiritual inquiry. We discuss the concept of the "worm's eye view" versus the "bird's eye view," illustrating how a broader perspective can illuminate the complexities of Morrison’s character beyond the myths created by the music industry and film representations. Central to our exploration is Morrison’s inherent role as a secret teacher, someone compelled to awaken others to higher realities. The conversation highlights Morrison’s spiritual struggles, particularly in the context of his upbringing and familial expectations, emphasizing how these conflicts fueled his artistic a

Yes hello! In the latest episode of Ultraculture, join Jason Louv as he sits down with Jezmina Von Thiele and Paulina Stevens, co-hosts of the Romanistan Podcast, to delve into the rich and often misunderstood world of Romani culture and fortune-telling. In this thought-provoking episode, Jezmina and Paulina share their unique journeys as Romani women who have turned their cultural heritage into a platform for education and empowerment. They explore the distinct identity of the Roma people, often confused with Romanians or Romans, and emphasize the importance of reclaiming the narrative around their traditions, especially in the realm of fortune-telling. Jezmina, a skilled Tarot, palm, and tea leaf reader, and Paulina, a holistic healer and co-author of Secrets of Romani Fortune Telling, discuss how their diverse backgrounds led to the creation of their podcast, which celebrates Romani culture while challenging pervasive stereotypes. The conversation touches on the impact of historical and contemporary discri