Topic: Picatrix

Matt Dragonstone explains the significance of the Pleiades star cluster in astrological magic, noting its presence in the Picatrix and Agrippa's occult philosophy. He highlights the mystery of why global cultures consistently refer to "Seven Sisters" when only six stars are typically visible to the naked eye today. Scientific data suggests all seven stars were visible 100,000 years ago, implying the mythologies may predate known civilization.

Rom X describes a methodology for contacting non-human intelligences using AI to process 16 historical grimoires, including the Picatrix and the Lesser Key of Solomon. By filtering ritual instructions through an occult layer and using Enochian ciphers, a digital signal was sent to receive responses. AI models like Claude and GPT were utilized to interpret the resulting data while attempting to rule out standard LLM hallucinations.

The Sola Busca deck's cosmology is described as "wholly malefic," focusing on specific planets and fixed stars used for attack sorcery, or maleficium. Adams argues that this tradition is superior to popular grimoires like the Key of Solomon, tracing its origins directly to the Byzantine imperial elite. This "learned sorcery" represents a sophisticated stream of magic that merged with Italian elite culture following the fall of Byzantium.

The second hour of the interview is teased, covering topics like the Picatrix, the "raspberry jam principle" of black magic, and software-based translation of ancient grimoires. Carlwood also shares a personal milestone: being interviewed by his childhood favorite wrestler, Raven, for Raven's own podcast. The segment ends with an announcement for the upcoming monthly joint session on October 20th.

The Picatrix grimoire describes using cannabis to appease the moon spirit, which Bennett relates to "nighttime consciousness" and intuition. He credits his own regular cannabis use with helping him "stumble" into historical discoveries through intuitive channels. He emphasizes that the user's intent is crucial, distinguishing between spiritual practice and idle recreational use.

The Picatrix, or "Gaiet Al-Hakim," is identified as the definitive grimoire of astrological magic, originating in the 11th-century city of Haran. Haran served as a unique cultural pocket where ancient Babylonian worship and Hermetic traditions survived within the Islamic caliphate by paying a "heretic tax." The text focuses on image magic rather than names or sigils, teaching practitioners how to attract celestial power by creating specific physical representations that correspond to the heavens.