Topic: Talismans

Host Greg Carlwood introduces guests Lance Baker and Matt Dragonstone to discuss the art of petitioning spirits and the subconscious. Lance Baker is a hypnotherapist and Reiki healer, while Matt Dragonstone is an astrological magician and jeweler. They introduce their collaborative project, a Pleiadian pendulum set designed for spiritual communication, which was inspired by the passing of their mutual friend and frequent guest, Gordon White.

The conversation covers the technical aspects of creating and choosing astrological talismans based on a person's birth chart. Matt Dragonstone advises selecting planets that are already "dignified" or strong in a user's chart to amplify positive effects, using Mercury in Gemini or Virgo as examples. The host shares a story of a Mercury ring causing a physical burning sensation, which Dragonstone interprets as a sign of the tool's potency and the host's specific ninth-house placement.

Matt Dragonstone shares a recent synchronicity involving the creation of Mercury talismans during a specific astrological window. Immediately after the ritual, he encountered his mail courier, who bore facial scars from burns (representing the "wounded healer" archetype of Chiron) and delivered a book on healing. This event served as a symbolic "thumbs up" from the universe regarding the success of the talismanic election.

In the post-interview wrap-up, the host reflects on the validity of Reiki and the craftsmanship of Matt Dragonstone's talismans. He emphasizes that while the tools are expensive, they offer a "superpower" compared to standard jewelry. He clarifies that the guests gifted him the pendulum set without expecting an interview, but he chose to share the experience to be reciprocal and transparent about his personal magical experiments.

The author recommends the work of Damon Brand for approachable angel magic, suggesting a combination of modern "angel-flavored chaos magic" with traditional Golden Dawn methods. He outlines a four-fold cosmology for practitioners: theurgic (divine names), celestial (planetary spirits and talismans), earth (elementals), and chthonic (spirits of the dead).

Greg asks for actionable advice for listeners to align with their "true will" or specific deities. Steven suggests reading ancient hymns and following what "calls" to the individual rather than using modern affirmations. He references Socrates' "daemon," an inner voice that warned him what not to do, and the Bhagavad Gita's teaching of performing one's duty without attachment to the results.

P.B. Randolph taught that the "soul worlds" influence human history through a hierarchy of entities that interact with mortals. He promoted the use of magic mirrors and hashish to achieve visionary states, emphasizing the "will" over the intellect. His work, including the book *Magica Sexualis*, details rituals for charging effigies and creating talismans, asserting that sexual energy is the fundamental force of nature and the primary tool for spiritual power.

Greg Carlwood recaps his personal experience receiving a two-hour astrological reading from Jeff Harmon, which included a detailed binder of information. They specifically discussed relocation astrology to identify safe geographical areas for the future, as well as Vedic planetary gemology and talisman making. Carlwood recommends Harmon's services for those seeking a thorough analysis of their personal astrological systems.

Neoplatonic philosopher Iamblicus is cited regarding the use of matter, rituals, and statues to open channels to the divine. Cotenoir compares this to the creation of icons in the Orthodox Christian Church, where the physical object serves as a "window" or "prop" for spiritual achievement. The 8th-century iconoclastic controversy is mentioned to illustrate the historical debate over whether these objects were idols or spiritual tools.

Stavish emphasizes that spiritual success requires the same intense focus that wealthy and successful people apply to their goals. He warns that "safe" initiations are a fraud, as true initiation must be difficult and "triggering" to be effective. He advises individuals to work on their own vitality and family lines, noting that no one is coming to save them and that help only comes to those who help themselves.