Topic: Altars

Greg Carlwood revisits the Jonathan Cahn airplane incident mentioned by Kurt Metzger. He analyzes the news reports, pointing out suspicious details that suggest the story was a fabricated marketing stunt for Cahn's book, *The Altar of Pergamon*. Carlwood highlights the "fake" dialogue attributed to passengers as evidence of a coordinated PR campaign.

The discussion addresses the perceived dangers of magic, citing the premature deaths of occult researchers Tracy Twyman and Gordon White. Lance Baker distinguishes between "faith" (belief without evidence) and "trust" (built through consistent, safe interactions). He recommends beginners start by communicating with ancestors or trusted friends rather than high-risk entities like Goetic demons to avoid psychological or spiritual "burns."

White encouraged Carlwood to create his own "Calendar of Saints" featuring figures like Bill Hicks and George Carlin. This Roman-style practice involves honoring personal "household gods" without church permission. Carlwood mentions having a St. Cyprian statue on his altar, a gift and practice he adopted directly from White.

While ancestor altars are a safe entry point for beginners, Dr. Skinner suggests they are limited because deceased humans generally possess the same knowledge they had while alive. To access information beyond the mundane or what is available on Wikipedia, practitioners must eventually communicate with non-human spirits, such as elementals or those found in grimoires. This distinction highlights the difference between familial mediumship and high ceremonial magic.

The "Mesa" is described as a symbolic control panel or altar used to interface with otherworldly entities and natural powers. Moeller explains that his apprenticeship required facing his "shadow aspect" and enduring terrifying psychedelic experiences. Referencing Terence McKenna, he asserts that a true psychedelic encounter often involves a physical response of fear, which is necessary for deep healing and community "medicine."

Fostering a connection with a totem involves regular meditative visits to a "neutral ground" in the mind and the creation of physical shrines or altars. Different totems are called upon for specific life needs, such as invoking the Beaver for stability, the Badger for persistence during job hunts, or the River Otter for finding joyful work. These practices serve as conscious reminders of the relationship between the practitioner and the spirit.

The discussion touches on ancestral altars as a safer starting point for beginners, though Dr. Stephen Skinner notes that dead humans often know no more than living ones. He argues that for knowledge outside of common human experience, one must eventually contact non-human spirits. He also mentions the cultural impact of fictional magic like Harry Potter on public interest.

Greg Carlwood reflects on the interview, noting how Sententia's terminology helps circumvent the stigma associated with traditional magic. Carlwood shares details of his own personal practice, including maintaining an ancestor altar and using regional oils based on recommendations from Gordon White. He defends his interest in magic and psychedelics against puritanical judgments, viewing these practices as morally neutral tools for self-exploration.

Greg Carlwood wraps up the episode by reflecting on the value of Gordon White's magical perspective. He previews the "Plus Show" content involving ancestor altars and sigil magic and announces the upcoming "Money Bomb" donor giveaway. Carlwood concludes with a monologue on the importance of analyzing all information, including potential disinformation, to refine one's own barometer of truth.

Elisa details her struggle with suppressed memories until the age of 46, when she met two men in Salt Lake City who validated her experiences. She describes discovering "suicide programs" and a "frontline altar" designed to present a normal, high-functioning appearance to the world. This breakthrough in 2008 allowed her various personalities to begin sharing their stories for the first time.