Shadowdance http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com An exploration of alternative spirituality and fringe culture Sat, 31 Oct 2009 12:07:45 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.7.1 en hourly 1 The nexus of shadows and fringe culture Chris Miller and Michelle Belanger yes Chris Miller and Michelle Belanger feedback@shadowdancepodcast.com feedback@shadowdancepodcast.com (Chris Miller and Michelle Belanger) 2006-2009 An exploration of alternative spirituality and fringe culture pagan occult vampire wiccan druid shadowdance Shadowdance http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/wp-content/plugins/powerpress/rss_default.jpg http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com Shadowdance 031: Goodbye, and hello, as always… http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=88 http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=88#comments Sat, 31 Oct 2009 05:01:15 +0000 Chris http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=88 “Come, my friends.
‘T is not too late to seek a newer world.
Push off, and sitting well in order smite
The sounding furrows; for my purpose holds
To sail beyond the sunset, and the baths
Of all the western stars, until I die.
It may be that the gulfs will wash us down;
It may be we shall touch the Happy Isles,
And see the great Achilles, whom we knew.
Tho’ much is taken, much abides; and tho’
We are not now that strength which in old days
Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are,–
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.”

– Alfred, Lord Tennyson

]]> http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?feed=rss2&p=88 "Come, my friends. 'T is not too late to seek a newer world. Push off, and sitting well in order smite The sounding furrows; for my purpose holds To sail beyond the sunset, and the baths Of all the western stars, until I die. "Come, my friends. 'T is not too late to seek a newer world. Push off, and sitting well in order smite The sounding furrows; for my purpose holds To sail beyond the sunset, and the baths Of all the western stars, until I die. It may be that the gulfs will wash us down; It may be we shall touch the Happy Isles, And see the great Achilles, whom we knew. Tho' much is taken, much abides; and tho' We are not now that strength which in old days Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are,-- One equal temper of heroic hearts, Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield." -- Alfred, Lord Tennyson Chris Miller and Michelle Belanger yes 65:31 Shadowdance 030: Dreamwalking http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=83 http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=83#comments Sun, 09 Aug 2009 19:55:01 +0000 Chris http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=83 This episode is a talk Michelle gave at last year’s Kheperu Open House, on Dreamwalking. To delve further, check out her book, Psychic Dreamwalking: Explorations at the Edge of Self.

(Sure, not much of a set of show notes, but, well, those two sentences tells you what you need to know. :) )

]]> http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?feed=rss2&p=83 This episode is a talk Michelle gave at last year's Kheperu Open House, on Dreamwalking. To delve further, check out her book, Psychic Dreamwalking: Explorations at the Edge of Self. - (Sure, not much of a set of show notes, but, well, those two sen... This episode is a talk Michelle gave at last year's Kheperu Open House, on Dreamwalking. To delve further, check out her book, Psychic Dreamwalking: Explorations at the Edge of Self. (Sure, not much of a set of show notes, but, well, those two sentences tells you what you need to know. :) ) Chris Miller and Michelle Belanger yes 73:36 Shadowdance 029: Vampires http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=72 http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=72#comments Mon, 22 Jun 2009 02:59:46 +0000 Chris http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=72 9780738712208In this episode, Michelle and Jackie visit Chris’s backyard around midsummer and revisit and update the topic of vampires, which we last looked at in 2006. A lot has changed in the past three years, and the hosts look at every aspect of the community in this ninety-minute rollercoaster ride.

Links for this show:

]]> http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?feed=rss2&p=72 vampires In this episode, Michelle and Jackie visit Chris's backyard around midsummer and revisit and update the topic of vampires, which we last looked at in 2006. A lot has changed in the past three years, and the hosts look at every aspect of the community... In this episode, Michelle and Jackie visit Chris's backyard around midsummer and revisit and update the topic of vampires, which we last looked at in 2006. A lot has changed in the past three years, and the hosts look at every aspect of the community in this ninety-minute rollercoaster ride. Links for this show: Voices of the Vampire Community (VVC) Atlanta Vampire Alliance Vampirism & Energy Work Research Study (Normal and Advanced) Joseph Laycock's Vampires Today Chris Miller and Michelle Belanger yes 88:29 Shadowdance 028: Live at the Kheperu Open House http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=63 http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=63#comments Sun, 31 May 2009 15:11:32 +0000 Chris http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=63 Michelle is back from her book and lecture tour,  Chris has moved home from Los Angeles, and the 2009 House Kheperu Open House gave us the perfect opportunity to sit and take questions from our friends.  What following is 79 minutes of rambling goodness which we hope you’ll enjoy.

Links for this show:

(Note from Chris: I’m going to start posting to my LJ account again, since it seems that most of you folks have journals there. Please friend me up…I’m not sure I can find everyone on my own!)

]]> http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?feed=rss2&p=63 Michelle is back from her book and lecture tour,  Chris has moved home from Los Angeles, and the 2009 House Kheperu Open House gave us the perfect opportunity to sit and take questions from our friends Michelle is back from her book and lecture tour,  Chris has moved home from Los Angeles, and the 2009 House Kheperu Open House gave us the perfect opportunity to sit and take questions from our friends.  What following is 79 minutes of rambling goodness which we hope you'll enjoy. Links for this show: Jackie Williams' Spiral Fire Studio, home of the Watcher Angel Tarot project Convocation, next year with added Tower goodness. The Kherete project, Open Source Kheprianism The Paranormal Research Society and Paranormal State Michelle's LiveJournal Chris's LiveJournal Chris's Twitter Zombie Theatre (Note from Chris: I'm going to start posting to my LJ account again, since it seems that most of you folks have journals there. Please friend me up...I'm not sure I can find everyone on my own!) Chris Miller and Michelle Belanger yes 79:36 Shadowdance 0027: Left vs. Right Hand Path http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=59 http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=59#comments Tue, 17 Feb 2009 04:09:34 +0000 Chris http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=59 Michelle and Chris wring time from their schedules to take on the oft requested topic of the Left Hand Path vs. the Right Hand Path. They discuss the history of the terms, how they have changed over time, and what they mean to use today.

Links of Interest:

]]> http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?feed=rss2&p=59 Michelle and Chris wring time from their schedules to take on the oft requested topic of the Left Hand Path vs. the Right Hand Path. They discuss the history of the terms, how they have changed over time, and what they mean to use today. Michelle and Chris wring time from their schedules to take on the oft requested topic of the Left Hand Path vs. the Right Hand Path. They discuss the history of the terms, how they have changed over time, and what they mean to use today. Links of Interest: Wikipedia entry on the Paths http://www.swamij.com/tantra.htm http://apodion.com/vad/article.php?id=20&aid=157 http://www.sacredsexuality.us/history/index.html http://www.dpjs.co.uk/lefthandpath.html (this one's a little all over the place, but it gives a nice, short, overview of how the phrase "Left Hand Path" entered the west) Demons of the Flesh: The Complete Guide to Left-Hand Path Sex Magic by Nikolas and Zeena Schreck The Yoga of Power: Tantra, Shakti, and the Secret Way by Julius Evola, The Serpent Power: The Secrets of Tantric and Shaktic Yoga by Arthur Avalon (Sir John Woodroffe). Chris Miller and Michelle Belanger yes Skepticism, Spirituality, and Doubt http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=58 http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=58#comments Thu, 08 Jan 2009 01:43:54 +0000 Chris http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/2009/01/07/skepticism-spirituality-and-doubt/ (an essay by Chris Miller, originally posted on Unquiet Desperation)

As I said in a previous essay, I’ve been thinking a lot about the stories we tell ourselves. Along with that, I’ve been considering the way we see other people’s stories. How we watch then, listen to them, and if they have something we feel we need, how we try to adapt their stories to fit into our own.

This is a useful exercise. When we see a person’s life through the lens of history, such as a personal hero from the past, we do not see all their failings, all their personal struggles. We see an idealized version of them, and we take the qualities of their life that we seek to emulate and attempt to graft them on to our own psyches. We learn and grow this way, trying on stories as we would garments, and when they do not suit us, casting them off.

These days, we live in an information-rich climate. The stories surrounding us, bombarding us at times, all seem to carry something that we’d like to make part of ourselves. I’ve found this to be especially true with the people I’ve met through my work in the podcasting community, where tales of individual drive, perseverance, and passion have turned normally shy people into the writers, musicians, and broadcasters we know and love. There’s much that’s worthy of being emulated there.

There are times that we select beliefs or qualities that make sense to us, only to have them cause dissonance with other, more deeply-rooted attitudes. In my life, that’s been Skepticism vs. Spirituality.

To explain: I know a number of atheists and skeptics. I’ve had a number of discussions with them, and to a great degree, their arguments make a great deal of logical sense to me. My own belief in a God (capital G) has been wavering for years now, and as I make my professional life in a world of logic, the arguments put forward by my skeptic friends are appealing to me. Facts make sense, and believing in things you cannot prove makes none.

However, on a deeper level, my inner life has always been one of mysticism, symbol, and faith. I was raised Catholic, and when I hit the point in my life when I wanted to break out of the Church, I gravitated toward other mystical beliefs: neopaganism and the occult being a major part of that. In retrospect, I can see that I moving from one ritual-based practice to another because it was the motion and poetry of the rituals that I fell in love with, not the actual theology.

In the past three years, these two systems have been causing me some serious internal dissonance. In trying to find a way to make these things work together, I’ve worked myself into a cycle of doubt that has been crippling. One side, the logical side, tells me that all my beliefs that I cannot prove with facts are bollocks, and the other side reminds me that humans work on a deeper level than mere logic, and that Significance is not fact-based, but instinctual and symbolic. It’s a battle that is deeply troubling.

The effect of all of this is that, when I take the skeptical path, I tend to be bitter and angry, and when I take the spiritual, I’m insecure and full of doubt. I do not like the way my life tastes when I am purely skeptical, but I worry that I will float away into a never-neverland if the spiritual should take over.

I do not know where the balance point in my own life lies, but I’m reasonably certain that I’m not the only person fighting this internal fight. If you are one of those people with this same inner turmoil, how do you balance it? What beliefs have influenced you, shown you where your strength lies, and how did you come to your decision?

]]> http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?feed=rss2&p=58 Shadowdance 026: Samhain http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=57 http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=57#comments Thu, 30 Oct 2008 20:30:19 +0000 Chris http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/2008/10/30/shadowdance-026-samhain/ Michelle as Wolverine Our erstwhile hosts find time between travels, TV shows, and other travails to talk about everyone’s favorite holiday: Samhain. It’s a full length, uber-ramble over the river and through the haunted wood to the Land of the Dead.

Oh, and Wolverine came along, as you can see from the picture. :)

Twas the night before Samhain and all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, except for my spouse.
The incense, it burned in our cauldron so black,
For Witchcraft and Magick we’d a wonderful knack.

The circle was drawn with the athame of power,
The guardians were called to each quarter tower.
The Lord and Lady attended our rite,
In wonder and glory and power and might.

The dearly departed came as our guest,
To live once again, after their rest.
We bid them goodbye with a tear in our eye,
Such a lovely presence of loved ones so nigh.

The candles danced in the flickering light,
With the Great Rite we bid them all a good night.
The guardians, thanked, have all sped away,
The Lord and Lady, thanked for the day.

The night before Samhain, Gods bless this house,
A circle of wonder ’round me and my spouse.

– Author Unknown

Happy Samhain to all, and to all a Good Night! ;)

]]> http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?feed=rss2&p=57 Our erstwhile hosts find time between travels, TV shows, and other travails to talk about everyone's favorite holiday: Samhain. It's a full length, uber-ramble over the river and through the haunted wood to the Land of the Dead. Our erstwhile hosts find time between travels, TV shows, and other travails to talk about everyone's favorite holiday: Samhain. It's a full length, uber-ramble over the river and through the haunted wood to the Land of the Dead. Oh, and Wolverine came along, as you can see from the picture. :) Twas the night before Samhain and all through the house Not a creature was stirring, except for my spouse. The incense, it burned in our cauldron so black, For Witchcraft and Magick we'd a wonderful knack. The circle was drawn with the athame of power, The guardians were called to each quarter tower. The Lord and Lady attended our rite, In wonder and glory and power and might. The dearly departed came as our guest, To live once again, after their rest. We bid them goodbye with a tear in our eye, Such a lovely presence of loved ones so nigh. The candles danced in the flickering light, With the Great Rite we bid them all a good night. The guardians, thanked, have all sped away, The Lord and Lady, thanked for the day. The night before Samhain, Gods bless this house, A circle of wonder 'round me and my spouse. -- Author Unknown Happy Samhain to all, and to all a Good Night! ;) Chris Miller and Michelle Belanger yes 64:22 Shadowdance 025: Teaching, Teachers, and Being Self-Taught http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=56 http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=56#comments Tue, 09 Sep 2008 02:27:25 +0000 Chris http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/2008/09/08/shadowdance-025-teaching-teachers-and-being-self-taught/ Thanks so much for the patience, everyone! Chris is finally settled in Los Angeles, so the show will go on!

In this episode, we took two minis and combined them into a 15 minute show, with a little help from Rob Balder for the interstitial music. You’ll see what we mean.

Enjoy, and we’ll be back soon with a real, honest-to-gods long-form show.

]]> http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?feed=rss2&p=56 Thanks so much for the patience, everyone! Chris is finally settled in Los Angeles, so the show will go on! - In this episode, we took two minis and combined them into a 15 minute show, with a little help from Rob Balder for the interstitial music Thanks so much for the patience, everyone! Chris is finally settled in Los Angeles, so the show will go on! In this episode, we took two minis and combined them into a 15 minute show, with a little help from Rob Balder for the interstitial music. You'll see what we mean. Enjoy, and we'll be back soon with a real, honest-to-gods long-form show. Chris Miller and Michelle Belanger yes 17:14 Shadowdance 24: Michelle Interviews Chris http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=55 http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=55#comments Thu, 03 Jul 2008 22:07:43 +0000 Chris http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/2008/07/03/shadowdance-24-michelle-interviews-chris/ Because we’ve had some requests for more information on Chris, Michelle sat down and interviewed him over coffee one night not so long ago.

]]> http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?feed=rss2&p=55 Because we've had some requests for more information on Chris, Michelle sat down and interviewed him over coffee one night not so long ago. Because we've had some requests for more information on Chris, Michelle sat down and interviewed him over coffee one night not so long ago. Chris Miller and Michelle Belanger yes 61:07 Shadowdance Mini 001: Where to Start? http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=54 http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=54#comments Thu, 12 Jun 2008 12:47:19 +0000 Chris http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/2008/06/12/shadowdance-mini-001-where-to-start/ One of our listeners sent in a note, requesting a show on where to begin:

I was hoping that you could do a show for people new to this. I have just started listening to your podcast and I love it. I have been researching with limited resources. I just was wondering if you had any advice for people who have started to research.

Your wish is our command. Enjoy!

]]> http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?feed=rss2&p=54 One of our listeners sent in a note, requesting a show on where to begin: - I was hoping that you could do a show for people new to this. I have just started listening to your podcast and I love it. I have been researching with limited resources One of our listeners sent in a note, requesting a show on where to begin: I was hoping that you could do a show for people new to this. I have just started listening to your podcast and I love it. I have been researching with limited resources. I just was wondering if you had any advice for people who have started to research. Your wish is our command. Enjoy! Chris Miller and Michelle Belanger yes 9:13 Shadowdance 023: Faith and Science http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=53 http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=53#comments Tue, 20 May 2008 16:42:13 +0000 Chris http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/2008/05/20/shadowdance-023-faith-and-science/ Can science know all the answers? Should it? What is the place of faith in a rational world? Is there any scientific way to measure the weird metaphysical goings-on that we talk about on this show?

This time, Michelle and Chris discuss the place of Faith and Science in their own worldviews, and take on the larger question of how the two interact in everyday life.

Promo: 7th Son: Obsidian

]]> http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?feed=rss2&p=53 Can science know all the answers? Should it? What is the place of faith in a rational world? Is there any scientific way to measure the weird metaphysical goings-on that we talk about on this show? Can science know all the answers? Should it? What is the place of faith in a rational world? Is there any scientific way to measure the weird metaphysical goings-on that we talk about on this show? This time, Michelle and Chris discuss the place of Faith and Science in their own worldviews, and take on the larger question of how the two interact in everyday life. Promo: 7th Son: Obsidian Chris Miller and Michelle Belanger yes 38:01 Condolences to C.A. Sizemore http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=52 http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=52#comments Mon, 12 May 2008 19:25:52 +0000 Chris http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/2008/05/12/condolences-to-ca-sizemore/ C.A. Sizemore has been a fan of our podcast since day one. C.A. has been with us since long before Shadowdance became a reality: he followed me here from The House of the Harping Monkey and Volcanicast, where he was a loyal, involved fan. I’m hard-pressed to think of a podcast that C.A. doesn’t listen to and equally hard-pressed to think of a podcaster who doesn’t know him. He is the best kind of fan we could possibly ask for and we are all lucky to have him.

This morning C.A.’s wife, Kelly, passed away unexpectedly. Our hearts, thoughts, prayers and deepest condolences are with C.A. in this difficult and tragic time.

If you have ever thought about donating to Shadowdance, I’d ask that you please visit the donation site established by Mae Breakall and give what you can to help C.A. cover the expenses that tragic events like these always incur.

]]> http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?feed=rss2&p=52 Catching Up With the Host-Types http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=49 http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=49#comments Fri, 09 May 2008 18:55:17 +0000 Chris http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/2008/05/09/catching-up-with-the-host-types/ This is a short “Yep, we’re still here” episode of Shadowdance. Want real content? Either check out one of the older shows, or hold on for a few days…we’ll have some great stuff by then.

]]> http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?feed=rss2&p=49 This is a short "Yep, we're still here" episode of Shadowdance. Want real content? Either check out one of the older shows, or hold on for a few days...we'll have some great stuff by then. - Both hosts have been crazy busy, Michelle with writi... This is a short "Yep, we're still here" episode of Shadowdance. Want real content? Either check out one of the older shows, or hold on for a few days...we'll have some great stuff by then. Both hosts have been crazy busy, Michelle with writing, television, and conventions, Chris with work, projects, and conventions. We have some killer topics coming up. Please...feel free to suggest a topic. Want to keep up with us? Subscribe to either Michelle's blog or Chris's blog between episodes. (You can also find Chris on twitter, if you are so inclined.) Want to leave feedback? We have a new form for that, too! Chris Miller and Michelle Belanger yes 10:23 022: Reincarnation http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=48 http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=48#comments Mon, 03 Mar 2008 01:08:26 +0000 Chris http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/2008/03/02/022-reincarnation/ Over ginger green tea and mead, Michelle and Chris discuss the in and outs of the Wheel of Karma. Hopefully, in the next life, they’ll become somewhat more evolved.

]]> http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?feed=rss2&p=48 Over ginger green tea and mead, Michelle and Chris discuss the in and outs of the Wheel of Karma. Hopefully, in the next life, they'll become somewhat more evolved. Over ginger green tea and mead, Michelle and Chris discuss the in and outs of the Wheel of Karma. Hopefully, in the next life, they'll become somewhat more evolved. Chris Miller and Michelle Belanger yes 36:52 021: Kids, Don’t Try This At Home http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=47 http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=47#comments Tue, 22 Jan 2008 16:31:45 +0000 Chris http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/2008/01/22/021-kids-dont-try-this-at-home/ You asked for it. This episode explores some of the silly things we did in our youth, for good or ill. While they have helped to form who we are, we would not recommenced that you try anything discussed in this episode.

Skeptic warning: We’re as skeptical about the things we say in this episode as you should be.

]]> http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?feed=rss2&p=47 You asked for it. This episode explores some of the silly things we did in our youth, for good or ill. While they have helped to form who we are, we would not recommenced that you try anything discussed in this episode. You asked for it. This episode explores some of the silly things we did in our youth, for good or ill. While they have helped to form who we are, we would not recommenced that you try anything discussed in this episode. Skeptic warning: We're as skeptical about the things we say in this episode as you should be. Chris Miller and Michelle Belanger yes 90:09 020: The Midwinter Feast http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=46 http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=46#comments Sun, 23 Dec 2007 13:34:12 +0000 Chris http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/2007/12/23/020-the-midwinter-feast/ Michelle and Chris finally find a good time to meet up (9:30 pm on a Thursday night), discover a place in Medina that is open at 9:30 pm (Eat’n'Park), and decide to make this their Midwinter Feast. The topics range all over the board: the true meaning of Christmas, the nature of Michelle’s eating Habits, fishmen, possession, stereomancy, Michelle’s crossdressing, writing habits, why Chris and Michelle forget to check the message board, and touching naughty places.

]]> http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?feed=rss2&p=46 Michelle and Chris finally find a good time to meet up (9:30 pm on a Thursday night), discover a place in Medina that is open at 9:30 pm (Eat'n'Park), and decide to make this their Midwinter Feast. The topics range all over the board: the true mean... Michelle and Chris finally find a good time to meet up (9:30 pm on a Thursday night), discover a place in Medina that is open at 9:30 pm (Eat'n'Park), and decide to make this their Midwinter Feast. The topics range all over the board: the true meaning of Christmas, the nature of Michelle's eating Habits, fishmen, possession, stereomancy, Michelle's crossdressing, writing habits, why Chris and Michelle forget to check the message board, and touching naughty places. Chris Miller and Michelle Belanger yes 77:13 019: Interview With Christopher Knowles http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=45 http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=45#comments Sun, 18 Nov 2007 00:09:04 +0000 Chris http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/2007/11/17/019-interview-with-christopher-knowles/ Chris and Michelle talk with Christopher Knowles, author of Our Gods Wear Spandex, about the place of the Surperhero in modern culture and modern spirituality.

Was Superman’s arch nemesis Lex Luthor based on Aleister Crowley? Can Captain Marvel be linked to the Sun gods on antiquity? In Our Gods Wear Spandex, Christopher Knowles answers these questions and brings to light many other intriguing links between superheroes and the enchanted world of estoerica. Occult students and comic-book fans alike will discover countless fascinating connections, from little known facts such as that DC Comics editor Julius Schwartz started his career as H.P. Lovecraft’s agent, to the tantalizingly extensive influence of Madame Blavatsky’s Theosophy on the birth of comics, to the mystic roots of Superman. The book also traces the rise of the comic superheroes and how they relate to several cultural trends in the late 19th century, specifically the occult explosion in Western Europe and America. Knowles reveals the four basic superhero archetypes–the Messiah, the Golem, the Amazon, and the Brotherhood–and shows how the occult Bohemian underground of the early 20th century provided the inspiration for the modern comic book hero.

With the popularity of occult comics writers like Invisibles creator Grant Morrison and V for Vendetta creator Alan Moore, the vast ComiCon audience is poised for someone to seriously introduce them to the esoteric mysteries. Chris Knowles is doing just that in this epic book. Chapters include: Ancient of Days, Ascended Masters, God and Gangsters, Mad Scientists and Modern Sorcerers, and many more. From the ghettos of Prague to the halls of Valhalla to the Fortress of Solitude and the aisles of BEA and ComiCon, this is the first book to show the inextricable link between superheroes and the enchanted world of esoterica.

Promo: Playing for Keeps by Mur Lafferty

]]> http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?feed=rss2&p=45 superheroes Chris and Michelle talk with Christopher Knowles, author of Our Gods Wear Spandex, about the place of the Surperhero in modern culture and modern spirituality. - Was Superman's arch nemesis Lex Luthor based on Aleister Crowley? Can Captain Marvel be... Chris and Michelle talk with Christopher Knowles, author of Our Gods Wear Spandex, about the place of the Surperhero in modern culture and modern spirituality. Was Superman's arch nemesis Lex Luthor based on Aleister Crowley? Can Captain Marvel be linked to the Sun gods on antiquity? In Our Gods Wear Spandex, Christopher Knowles answers these questions and brings to light many other intriguing links between superheroes and the enchanted world of estoerica. Occult students and comic-book fans alike will discover countless fascinating connections, from little known facts such as that DC Comics editor Julius Schwartz started his career as H.P. Lovecraft's agent, to the tantalizingly extensive influence of Madame Blavatsky's Theosophy on the birth of comics, to the mystic roots of Superman. The book also traces the rise of the comic superheroes and how they relate to several cultural trends in the late 19th century, specifically the occult explosion in Western Europe and America. Knowles reveals the four basic superhero archetypes--the Messiah, the Golem, the Amazon, and the Brotherhood--and shows how the occult Bohemian underground of the early 20th century provided the inspiration for the modern comic book hero. With the popularity of occult comics writers like Invisibles creator Grant Morrison and V for Vendetta creator Alan Moore, the vast ComiCon audience is poised for someone to seriously introduce them to the esoteric mysteries. Chris Knowles is doing just that in this epic book. Chapters include: Ancient of Days, Ascended Masters, God and Gangsters, Mad Scientists and Modern Sorcerers, and many more. From the ghettos of Prague to the halls of Valhalla to the Fortress of Solitude and the aisles of BEA and ComiCon, this is the first book to show the inextricable link between superheroes and the enchanted world of esoterica. Promo: Playing for Keeps by Mur Lafferty Chris Miller and Michelle Belanger yes 37:10 018: H.P. Lovecraft http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=44 http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=44#comments Sun, 28 Oct 2007 02:57:12 +0000 Chris http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/2007/10/27/018-hp-lovecraft/ In this episode, Michelle gives her Lovecraft presentation, originally presented at Dragon*Con 2007. Rather than simply explore the mythos, Michelle delves into the man behind the mythos, telling us of his childhood, development, and environment when he was writing his tales.

The excellent music in this episode provided by Nox Arcana, from their Necronomicon album. (And it’s a damn fine one, if we do say so ourselves.)

]]> http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?feed=rss2&p=44 In this episode, Michelle gives her Lovecraft presentation, originally presented at Dragon*Con 2007. Rather than simply explore the mythos, Michelle delves into the man behind the mythos, telling us of his childhood, development, and environment whe... In this episode, Michelle gives her Lovecraft presentation, originally presented at Dragon*Con 2007. Rather than simply explore the mythos, Michelle delves into the man behind the mythos, telling us of his childhood, development, and environment when he was writing his tales. The excellent music in this episode provided by Nox Arcana, from their Necronomicon album. (And it's a damn fine one, if we do say so ourselves.) Chris Miller and Michelle Belanger yes 54:25 017: Religious Heritage (or How We Cannot Escape Our Catholic Roots) http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=43 http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=43#comments Mon, 15 Oct 2007 19:46:28 +0000 Chris http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/2007/10/15/017-religous-heritage-or-how-we-cannot-escape-our-catholic-roots/ A listener asked if we would discuss our Catholic background, and how it has affected our current practices. We do that, plus a little more.

]]> http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?feed=rss2&p=43 A listener asked if we would discuss our Catholic background, and how it has affected our current practices. We do that, plus a little more. A listener asked if we would discuss our Catholic background, and how it has affected our current practices. We do that, plus a little more. Chris Miller and Michelle Belanger yes 56:15 016: DragonCon http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=42 http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=42#comments Thu, 13 Sep 2007 15:35:58 +0000 Chris http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/2007/09/13/016-dragoncon/ Chris and Michelle both made it to DragonCon this year, and in this episode, they recap their experiences at the con.

]]> http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?feed=rss2&p=42 Chris and Michelle both made it to DragonCon this year, and in this episode, they recap their experiences at the con. Chris and Michelle both made it to DragonCon this year, and in this episode, they recap their experiences at the con. Chris Miller and Michelle Belanger yes 32:47 015: Books, Tomes, and Grimoires http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=41 http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=41#comments Thu, 30 Aug 2007 02:53:27 +0000 Chris http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/2007/08/29/015-books-tomes-and-grimoires/ Michelle shows up at Chris’s place with an armload of books and one thing on her mind: conversation. Together, the examine and review some of the Olde and Honoured Tomes of Magick.

Note: We’ll both be at DragonCon this year, so find us and say hi! Michelle will be giving three seperate talks, and Chris will be in the podcasting track, hangin’ with the playas…

]]> http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?feed=rss2&p=41 Michelle shows up at Chris's place with an armload of books and one thing on her mind: conversation. Together, the examine and review some of the Olde and Honoured Tomes of Magick. - Note: We'll both be at DragonCon this year, so find us and say hi!... Michelle shows up at Chris's place with an armload of books and one thing on her mind: conversation. Together, the examine and review some of the Olde and Honoured Tomes of Magick. Note: We'll both be at DragonCon this year, so find us and say hi! Michelle will be giving three seperate talks, and Chris will be in the podcasting track, hangin' with the playas... Chris Miller and Michelle Belanger yes 67:15 014: Drama, Roleplay, and Ritual http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=40 http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=40#comments Wed, 25 Jul 2007 23:47:04 +0000 Chris http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/2007/07/25/014-drama-roleplay-and-ritual/ In this episode, we discuss how drama, roleplay, and theartics both enhance and detract from ritual. We touch on everything from Greek Drama as ritual to how role playing games impact and inform our workings. Enjoy, and don’t forget to join us on the message boards!

]]> http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?feed=rss2&p=40 In this episode, we discuss how drama, roleplay, and theartics both enhance and detract from ritual. We touch on everything from Greek Drama as ritual to how role playing games impact and inform our workings In this episode, we discuss how drama, roleplay, and theartics both enhance and detract from ritual. We touch on everything from Greek Drama as ritual to how role playing games impact and inform our workings. Enjoy, and don't forget to join us on the message boards! Chris Miller and Michelle Belanger yes 59:16 013: Kheperu Open House 2007 Recap http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=39 http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=39#comments Tue, 10 Jul 2007 02:53:25 +0000 Chris http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/2007/07/09/013-kheperu-open-house-2007-recap/ We sat down over tea and incense in the Kheperu Ritual Chamber to do a post-mortem on this year’s Open House. Also joining us was Rhiannon a.k.a. Pink Spider from the House Discussion Boards. We review the weekend in general, and discuss the success of the various workshops.

]]> http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?feed=rss2&p=39 We sat down over tea and incense in the Kheperu Ritual Chamber to do a post-mortem on this year's Open House. Also joining us was Rhiannon a.k.a. Pink Spider from the House Discussion Boards. We review the weekend in general, and discuss the success... We sat down over tea and incense in the Kheperu Ritual Chamber to do a post-mortem on this year's Open House. Also joining us was Rhiannon a.k.a. Pink Spider from the House Discussion Boards. We review the weekend in general, and discuss the success of the various workshops. Chris Miller and Michelle Belanger yes 38:11 Resurrecting the Forums http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=38 http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=38#comments Fri, 29 Jun 2007 12:41:37 +0000 Chris http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/2007/06/29/resurrecting-the-forums/ I miss the forums. How about you?

We have a good many folks want to volunteer to moderate the forums, and it’s now coming time to put them back up. We’ll be using the Simple Machines Forum software, free and wonderful stuff that it is.

If you want to be a moderator, please email me chris *at* shadowdancepodcast *dot* com.

Thanks!

UPDATE: They are up, and ready to go. Have at them!

]]> http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?feed=rss2&p=38 012b: Dreamwalking, Live from the Open House http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=37 http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=37#comments Sat, 23 Jun 2007 16:03:37 +0000 Chris http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/2007/06/23/012b-dreamwalking-live-from-the-open-house/ Psychic Dreamwalking: Explorations at the Edge of SelfThis is a recording Michelle’s presentation on Dreamwalking at the 2007 House Kheperu Open House on Friday, June 23. Good stuff in here folks.

After the House recovers, we’ll be gathering for another show. And yes…the call-in show is definitely going to happen. We’ll be using TalkShoe to broadcast it live and we’ll be taking your calls (phone, IM, or Skype) during the show. The date is TBD, but it will be within the next month. Promise.

(Oh..why 012b? Because 012a is the missing episode from Feb, which I’m still trying to find. If I find it, I’ll air it.)

]]> http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?feed=rss2&p=37 This is a recording Michelle's presentation on Dreamwalking at the 2007 House Kheperu Open House on Friday, June 23. Good stuff in here folks. - After the House recovers, we'll be gathering for another show. And yes.. This is a recording Michelle's presentation on Dreamwalking at the 2007 House Kheperu Open House on Friday, June 23. Good stuff in here folks. After the House recovers, we'll be gathering for another show. And yes...the call-in show is definitely going to happen. We'll be using TalkShoe to broadcast it live and we'll be taking your calls (phone, IM, or Skype) during the show. The date is TBD, but it will be within the next month. Promise. (Oh..why 012b? Because 012a is the missing episode from Feb, which I'm still trying to find. If I find it, I'll air it.) Chris Miller and Michelle Belanger yes 53:31 Got Shadowdance? http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=36 http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=36#comments Tue, 19 Jun 2007 14:23:42 +0000 Chris http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/2007/06/19/got-shadowdance/ No?  Well…neither do we. Our last recorded episode has was plagued with technical difficulties, and when I went to edit it, it was unrecoverable.

This is what I get for letting Michelle sit too close to the computer. Next time, lead shields for everyone. :)

We are planning a new episode for just after the House Kheperu Open House, which is taking place this coming weekend. Stay tuned!

]]> http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?feed=rss2&p=36 011: It’s all about the LOOOOOVE, baby. http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=35 http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=35#comments Tue, 30 Jan 2007 05:06:15 +0000 chris http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/2007/01/30/011-its-all-about-the-looooove-baby/ Turn on that Barry White, and pull out the rotating heart-shaped bed. After a long hiatus, we sit down to discuss love spells, lust spells and potions, and we explore the ethics of love magic.

Who loves ya, baby?

]]> http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?feed=rss2&p=35 Turn on that Barry White, and pull out the rotating heart-shaped bed. After a long hiatus, we sit down to discuss love spells, lust spells and potions, and we explore the ethics of love magic. - Who loves ya, baby? Turn on that Barry White, and pull out the rotating heart-shaped bed. After a long hiatus, we sit down to discuss love spells, lust spells and potions, and we explore the ethics of love magic. Who loves ya, baby? Chris Miller and Michelle Belanger yes 80:04 Goodbye forums…. http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=34 http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=34#comments Thu, 11 Jan 2007 13:49:17 +0000 chris http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/2007/01/11/goodbye-forums/ The spam has become intolerable, and since no one has the time to patrol and moderate them, I’m taking down the forums. I’m open to discussing putting up new ones if someone wants to run them.

]]> http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?feed=rss2&p=34 Not dead! Nope! http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=33 http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=33#comments Thu, 11 Jan 2007 13:47:59 +0000 chris http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/2007/01/11/not-dead-nope/ We’ve had a lot of folks asking if the show is dead…no! it’s not. Michelle and I have had a very busy time of it lately, but we are planning to have a new show out in time for early February. We’re sorry about the lag time, but between Michelle’s writing and lecturing schedule and my working insane amounts a week, it’s been hard to get together.

Soon, folks! Soon!

]]> http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?feed=rss2&p=33 Shadowdance 010: Vampires and Otherkin and Therians, Oh My! http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=32 http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=32#comments Mon, 23 Oct 2006 23:56:18 +0000 chris http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/2006/10/23/shadowdance-011-vampires-and-otherkin-and-therians-oh-my/ You’ve been asking for it, and here it is. Chris interviews Michelle about the Vampire history, culture, and her own Awakening, then we veer off into the realms of the Otherkin, Therians, and…more? More, indeed.

]]> http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?feed=rss2&p=32 You've been asking for it, and here it is. Chris interviews Michelle about the Vampire history, culture, and her own Awakening, then we veer off into the realms of the Otherkin, Therians, and...more? More, indeed. You've been asking for it, and here it is. Chris interviews Michelle about the Vampire history, culture, and her own Awakening, then we veer off into the realms of the Otherkin, Therians, and...more? More, indeed. Chris Miller and Michelle Belanger yes 98:46 Shadowdance 009: Out of this World: Conventions as Pilgrimage http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=31 http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=31#comments Wed, 04 Oct 2006 03:09:09 +0000 chris http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/2006/10/03/shadowdance-009-out-of-the-world-conventions-as-pilgrimage/ Anthropologist Victor Turner made his career observing and analysing the rites of passage and the process of pilgrimage as special, liminal experiences within a culture. Traditionally, these processes are connected with religious experience, but according to Turner and many other thinkers in his field, experiences that take us beyond our ordinary reality so that we can reframe our relationship to our everyday world are a crucial part of our society and our development as individuals. In a secularized society, do we still have pilgrimage? What experiences do the people in our generation seek in order to achieve that transformational state of liminality? Do we find it in gaming, in fantasy conventions, on the Internet? How does the nature of these places impact the overall experience? Can pilgrimage happen completely removed from the context of a religion?

]]> http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?feed=rss2&p=31 Anthropologist Victor Turner made his career observing and analysing the rites of passage and the process of pilgrimage as special, liminal experiences within a culture. Traditionally, these processes are connected with religious experience, but acco... Anthropologist Victor Turner made his career observing and analysing the rites of passage and the process of pilgrimage as special, liminal experiences within a culture. Traditionally, these processes are connected with religious experience, but according to Turner and many other thinkers in his field, experiences that take us beyond our ordinary reality so that we can reframe our relationship to our everyday world are a crucial part of our society and our development as individuals. In a secularized society, do we still have pilgrimage? What experiences do the people in our generation seek in order to achieve that transformational state of liminality? Do we find it in gaming, in fantasy conventions, on the Internet? How does the nature of these places impact the overall experience? Can pilgrimage happen completely removed from the context of a religion? Chris Miller and Michelle Belanger yes 50:59 Shadowdance 008: Fitting the Profile http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=30 http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=30#comments Wed, 20 Sep 2006 03:07:52 +0000 Chris http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/2006/09/19/008-fitting-the-profile/ On Wednesday, September 13, 2006, a 25-year-old gunman walked onto the campus of Dawson College in Montreal and started shooting. Wearing a trench coat, all black clothing, and sporting a Mohawk haircut, the suspected shooter Kimveer Gill also maintained an online blog at a site called vampirefreaks.com that expressed his hatred and rage toward the human race.

Who can we hold accountable for influencing Gill’s actions? His social circle? The alternative websites he frequented? The heavy-metal music he preferred listening to? And what does this say about those of us who also listen to dark music, dress in dark clothing, or even rant about our dislikes online? Are we all time-bombs waiting to go off? Who should draw the line between healthy personal expression and troubled warning signs? Chris and Michelle tackle these hard questions and more, taking a sometimes brutally honest look at dark subcultures and the lines the rest of society draws between them and people like Kimveer Gill.

]]> http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?feed=rss2&p=30 On Wednesday, September 13, 2006, a 25-year-old gunman walked onto the campus of Dawson College in Montreal and started shooting. Wearing a trench coat, all black clothing, and sporting a Mohawk haircut, the suspected shooter Kimveer Gill also mainta... On Wednesday, September 13, 2006, a 25-year-old gunman walked onto the campus of Dawson College in Montreal and started shooting. Wearing a trench coat, all black clothing, and sporting a Mohawk haircut, the suspected shooter Kimveer Gill also maintained an online blog at a site called vampirefreaks.com that expressed his hatred and rage toward the human race. Who can we hold accountable for influencing Gill's actions? His social circle? The alternative websites he frequented? The heavy-metal music he preferred listening to? And what does this say about those of us who also listen to dark music, dress in dark clothing, or even rant about our dislikes online? Are we all time-bombs waiting to go off? Who should draw the line between healthy personal expression and troubled warning signs? Chris and Michelle tackle these hard questions and more, taking a sometimes brutally honest look at dark subcultures and the lines the rest of society draws between them and people like Kimveer Gill. Chris Miller and Michelle Belanger yes 48:35 Shadowdance 007: Polarized Deities & Changing Concepts of Gender http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=29 http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=29#comments Wed, 16 Aug 2006 03:53:28 +0000 chris http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/2006/08/15/shadowdance-007-polarized-deities-changing-concepts-of-gender/ As we move into the 21st century, we are starting to accept that gender is not a black and white issue. Medical science has taught us that not even biological sex is as simple as either male or female — 1 in 100 people is intersexed, meaning that either physically, hormonally, or genetically, their bodies combine male and female characteristics. However, modern neo-Paganism tends to retain a polarized approach to deities. There are gods and there are goddesses, priestesses and priests. How can we adapt to changing concepts of gender? Are there precedents that have been set in past traditions that allow for something more than just male and female? How much would it change our view of the world to encompass more than two gender identities in our approach to deity?

]]> http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?feed=rss2&p=29 As we move into the 21st century, we are starting to accept that gender is not a black and white issue. Medical science has taught us that not even biological sex is as simple as either male or female — 1 in 100 people is intersexed, meaning that e... As we move into the 21st century, we are starting to accept that gender is not a black and white issue. Medical science has taught us that not even biological sex is as simple as either male or female — 1 in 100 people is intersexed, meaning that either physically, hormonally, or genetically, their bodies combine male and female characteristics. However, modern neo-Paganism tends to retain a polarized approach to deities. There are gods and there are goddesses, priestesses and priests. How can we adapt to changing concepts of gender? Are there precedents that have been set in past traditions that allow for something more than just male and female? How much would it change our view of the world to encompass more than two gender identities in our approach to deity? Chris Miller and Michelle Belanger yes 90:10 Shadowdance WTF? http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=28 http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=28#comments Fri, 30 Jun 2006 02:24:55 +0000 chris http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/2006/06/29/shadowdance-wtf/ Chris explains just what the hell has been going on.

]]> http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?feed=rss2&p=28 Chris explains just what the hell has been going on. Chris explains just what the hell has been going on. Chris Miller and Michelle Belanger yes 1:55 006: Magick on the Edge of Conciousness http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=27 http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=27#comments Mon, 12 Jun 2006 10:50:16 +0000 chris http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/2006/06/12/006-magick-on-the-edge-of-conciousness/ Many traditions speak of the Higher Self as the real seat of our magickal abilities as well as the repository of our past life knowledge. Does this concept of the Higher Self have a corollary in psychology? Can we relate concepts like the Higher Self with notions like the unconscious mind? What about Jung’s “Collective Unconscious” or Freud’s “Super Ego?” What about left brain/right brain schemas — given that the right brain is accepted as being the non-rational, intuitive portion of the mind that “speaks” to us in abstracts and symbols? How much do magick and psychology intersect? Are we comfortable with that line? How can we better harness it to understand what’s really going on when we perform this elusive thing called “magick”?

]]> http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?feed=rss2&p=27 Many traditions speak of the Higher Self as the real seat of our magickal abilities as well as the repository of our past life knowledge. Does this concept of the Higher Self have a corollary in psychology? Can we relate concepts like the Higher Self... Many traditions speak of the Higher Self as the real seat of our magickal abilities as well as the repository of our past life knowledge. Does this concept of the Higher Self have a corollary in psychology? Can we relate concepts like the Higher Self with notions like the unconscious mind? What about Jung’s “Collective Unconscious” or Freud’s “Super Ego?” What about left brain/right brain schemas — given that the right brain is accepted as being the non-rational, intuitive portion of the mind that “speaks” to us in abstracts and symbols? How much do magick and psychology intersect? Are we comfortable with that line? How can we better harness it to understand what’s really going on when we perform this elusive thing called “magick”? Chris Miller and Michelle Belanger yes 66:36 *Heavy Sigh* http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=26 http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=26#comments Fri, 02 Jun 2006 01:49:46 +0000 chris http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/2006/06/01/heavy-sigh/ So. I sat down to record last night.  Fired everything up. And as I finished the show and went to mix it down, the laptop died. Blue Screen of Death. w00t. Not.

Restarted, Fired it up. All data from my recording was gone. Recorded AGAIN. Mixdown. Crash. BSoD.

“Hm,” I said. “This bodes not well.”  Not really. It was much more colorful.

My computer is dying. I ordered a new MacBook, and it should be here next Wednesday. What does this mean to you, good listener?  Well…I got no show until then. Sorry about that.  Clearly I’ve pissed off the Micro$oft gods or something.

Hold tight, folks. Coming back soon. I promise.

Meanwhile…if you like to donate toward the equipment fund…*sigh*

]]> http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?feed=rss2&p=26 Episode Delayed http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=25 http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=25#comments Tue, 30 May 2006 00:55:13 +0000 chris http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/2006/05/29/episode-delayed/ Yep. The Memorial Day weekend has delayed the episode. Sorry about that.

As a side note, this next episode will NOT be Magick and Conciousness. For reasons of schduling and the hopes of bringing in an expert, we’ve delayed that Episode until early June.

]]> http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?feed=rss2&p=25 005.5: Listener Essays! Yay! http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=24 http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=24#comments Mon, 22 May 2006 02:10:08 +0000 chris http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/2006/05/21/0055-listener-essays-yay/ In this show:

Join us on the forums! No, really!

]]> http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?feed=rss2&p=24 In this show: - Kate brings us an essay called Lover as Divinity - Candace (Vampire Kitten) of Vampires of Eternal Night brings us an essay called Therianthropy 101 (which Chris cannot seem to pronounce. Beware the idiot man-child). In this show: Kate brings us an essay called Lover as Divinity Candace (Vampire Kitten) of Vampires of Eternal Night brings us an essay called Therianthropy 101 (which Chris cannot seem to pronounce. Beware the idiot man-child). We hear from the Dragon Ritual Drummers with their song, Papa Legba, courtesy of the Podsafe Music Network Join us on the forums! No, really! Chris Miller and Michelle Belanger yes 17:41 005: Magick on the Edge of Science http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=23 http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=23#comments Mon, 15 May 2006 01:18:02 +0000 chris http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/2006/05/14/005-magick-on-the-edge-of-science/ Can magick be measured? Is it possible to take a scientific approach to magick, applying scientific method to test techniques and results? Should we pursue such ascientific approach to magick? Why or why not? Can the energies harnessed in magick be measured by any of the technology that we possess today? Is there some point in the future where we could invent a machine that could measure or record some aspect of the magickal arts? How much does this elide into psychic phenomenon — and is there really a line between some of what gets labeled “psychic” and some of what gets labeled “magick.” Why do we persist in the distinctions?

Featured Interview: Jason Augustus Newcomb is a writer and artist who has worked with the powers of the mind and consciousness-altering practices for many years. He lives in Los Angeles, but travels across the US giving lectures and workshops.

Note: This is a long one, folks. 2 hours, 13 minutes. Brace yourself…it’s quite a ride!

Show notes:

Subscribe | Listen or Download | Discuss

]]> http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?feed=rss2&p=23 Can magick be measured? Is it possible to take a scientific approach to magick, applying scientific method to test techniques and results? Should we pursue such ascientific approach to magick? Why or why not? Can the energies harnessed in magick be m... Can magick be measured? Is it possible to take a scientific approach to magick, applying scientific method to test techniques and results? Should we pursue such ascientific approach to magick? Why or why not? Can the energies harnessed in magick be measured by any of the technology that we possess today? Is there some point in the future where we could invent a machine that could measure or record some aspect of the magickal arts? How much does this elide into psychic phenomenon — and is there really a line between some of what gets labeled “psychic” and some of what gets labeled “magick.” Why do we persist in the distinctions? Featured Interview: Jason Augustus Newcomb is a writer and artist who has worked with the powers of the mind and consciousness-altering practices for many years. He lives in Los Angeles, but travels across the US giving lectures and workshops. Note: This is a long one, folks. 2 hours, 13 minutes. Brace yourself...it's quite a ride! Show notes: 21st Century Mage: Bring the Divine Down to Earth The New Hermetics: 21st Century Magick for Illumination and Power Condensed Chaos: An Introduction to Chaos Magic Grant Morrison What the Bleep Do We Know!? The Elegant Universe: Superstrings, Hidden Dimensions, and the Quest for the Ultimate Theory The Elegant Universe (Link to PBS -- Watch it Online!) Music: Mandelbrot Set by Jonathan Coulton Intro and Bumper Drumming: Wake the Dragon by The Dragon Ritual Drummers Subscribe | Listen or Download | Discuss Chris Miller and Michelle Belanger yes New posting schedule http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=22 http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=22#comments Thu, 11 May 2006 13:01:40 +0000 chris http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/2006/05/11/new-posting-schedule/ Heya everyone…

I just wanted to let you know that Shadowdance episodes will, henceforth, be posted on Monday mornings or late Sunday night. The reason is that I need more time to edit it together.  We record on Wed. nights, but coming home and pulling it all together on the same night is a bear.

So…starting with the next episode, you’ll be able to start your week with a little Shadowdance.

-Chris

]]> http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?feed=rss2&p=22 As you may have guessed… http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=21 http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=21#comments Mon, 08 May 2006 01:50:28 +0000 chris http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/2006/05/07/as-you-may-have-guessed/ …there will be no show last week. No, really. Sorry…the week got away from me. We’ll pick up this week with Magic and Science.

-Chris

]]> http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?feed=rss2&p=21 SP001: The PPP Beltaine Roundtable http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=20 http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=20#comments Thu, 27 Apr 2006 01:21:39 +0000 chris http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/2006/04/26/sp001-the-ppp-beltaine-roundtable/ For a little change of pace, we got together with some of our peers from the Proud Pagan Podcasters and had a little discussion about Beltaine, spring, and then, unsurprisingly, we wandered a bit. After the discussion, we hear a little appropriate music…a song called First of May by Jonathan Coulton.

On the Round Table:

  • Chris and Michelle
  • Lamyka from Lamyka’s Pagan podcast
  • Sean from the Almost a Nurse podcast
  • Emerald Deepwater from the Pagan Living podcast

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]]> http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?feed=rss2&p=20 For a little change of pace, we got together with some of our peers from the Proud Pagan Podcasters and had a little discussion about Beltaine, spring, and then, unsurprisingly, we wandered a bit. After the discussion, we hear a little appropriate m... For a little change of pace, we got together with some of our peers from the Proud Pagan Podcasters and had a little discussion about Beltaine, spring, and then, unsurprisingly, we wandered a bit. After the discussion, we hear a little appropriate music...a song called First of May by Jonathan Coulton. On the Round Table: Chris and Michelle Lamyka from Lamyka's Pagan podcast Sean from the Almost a Nurse podcast Emerald Deepwater from the Pagan Living podcast Subscribe | Listen or Download | Discuss Chris Miller and Michelle Belanger yes 004.5: Surprise Altars, Common Sense Magic, Instant Magick, and Uncle Seth http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=18 http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=18#comments Fri, 21 Apr 2006 00:46:31 +0000 chris http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/2006/04/20/18/ It’s another off-week variety show, and this one has a bit more than usual. Siege gives us an essay called “Surprise Altars,” Michelle reads her “Common Sense Magic,” I have a review of Christopher Penczak’s Instant Magick, and we finish things off with Double-Double by Uncle Seth.

Show links:

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]]> http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?feed=rss2&p=18 It's another off-week variety show, and this one has a bit more than usual. Siege gives us an essay called "Surprise Altars," Michelle reads her "Common Sense Magic," I have a review of Christopher Penczak's Instant Magick, and we finish things off w... It's another off-week variety show, and this one has a bit more than usual. Siege gives us an essay called "Surprise Altars," Michelle reads her "Common Sense Magic," I have a review of Christopher Penczak's Instant Magick, and we finish things off with Double-Double by Uncle Seth. Show links: Instant Magick by Christopher Penczak Uncle Seth's Double-double: A Waltz for Voice courtesy of music.podshow.com Subscribe | Listen or Download | Discuss Chris Miller and Michelle Belanger yes 004: Fantasy and Reality, part II http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=17 http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=17#comments Mon, 17 Apr 2006 01:14:50 +0000 chris http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/2006/04/16/004-fantasy-and-reality-part-ii/ Pop Culture, Myth, and Godforms Mythologist Joseph Campbell put out a challenge toward the end of the Twentieth century. He observed that all our myths had grown out-dated so that they no longer spoke directly to our experiences as modern people. In order to re-mythologize our culture, we needed powerful storytellers, using powerful mediums, to reinvent myths for the modern age. According to Campbell, George Lucas’ “Star Wars” saga was just such a reinvention. Neil Gaiman’s Sandman series can be seen as a direct answer to Campbell’s challenge, restyling old gods into forms modern people could relate to as well as inventing wholly modern beings in the Endless. What other Pop Culture icons have started down the path of becoming gods? What are out modern myths – and how consciously have they been crafted? Should we take a more pro-active approach to reinventing our deities? Can this help us as a culture?

Show links:

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]]> http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?feed=rss2&p=17 Pop Culture, Myth, and Godforms Mythologist Joseph Campbell put out a challenge toward the end of the Twentieth century. He observed that all our myths had grown out-dated so that they no longer spoke directly to our experiences as modern people Pop Culture, Myth, and Godforms Mythologist Joseph Campbell put out a challenge toward the end of the Twentieth century. He observed that all our myths had grown out-dated so that they no longer spoke directly to our experiences as modern people. In order to re-mythologize our culture, we needed powerful storytellers, using powerful mediums, to reinvent myths for the modern age. According to Campbell, George Lucas’ “Star Wars” saga was just such a reinvention. Neil Gaiman’s Sandman series can be seen as a direct answer to Campbell’s challenge, restyling old gods into forms modern people could relate to as well as inventing wholly modern beings in the Endless. What other Pop Culture icons have started down the path of becoming gods? What are out modern myths – and how consciously have they been crafted? Should we take a more pro-active approach to reinventing our deities? Can this help us as a culture? Show links: The Advanced Bonewits’ Cult Danger Evaluation Frame The Bomb: A Guide to Grant Morrison's The Invisibles Disinformation: The Book of Lies Modern Magick Subscribe | Listen or Download | Discuss Chris Miller and Michelle Belanger yes 003.5: Bottle Imps and Braaainnzz http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=16 http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=16#comments Wed, 05 Apr 2006 22:53:30 +0000 chris http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/2006/04/05/0035-bottle-imps-and-brrraaaaainnnnzzzz/ Something a little different this week: a short story titled The Arrangement by Michelle, and Jonathan Coulton sings one of his new songs, RE: Your Brains.

Heya Tom, it’s Bob from the office down the hall
Good to see you buddy, how’ve you been?
Thing have been OK for me except that I’m a zombie now…

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]]> http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?feed=rss2&p=16 Something a little different this week: a short story titled The Arrangement by Michelle, and Jonathan Coulton sings one of his new songs, RE: Your Brains. - Heya Tom, it’s Bob from the office down the hall Something a little different this week: a short story titled The Arrangement by Michelle, and Jonathan Coulton sings one of his new songs, RE: Your Brains. Heya Tom, it’s Bob from the office down the hall Good to see you buddy, how’ve you been? Thing have been OK for me except that I’m a zombie now... Subscribe | Listen or Download | Discuss Chris Miller and Michelle Belanger yes 003: Fantasy and Reality, part 1 http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=15 http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=15#comments Thu, 30 Mar 2006 04:26:35 +0000 chris http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/2006/03/29/003-fantasy-and-reality-part-1/ We know that many people in the magickal subcultures are inspired by fictional works. In the past, it was sort of gauche to admit that you’d gotten into magick because you read Lord of the Rings, but those on the cutting edge of magick have taken a different stance, approaching fantasy, science fiction, and graphic novels in terms of myths, with characters as archetypes as valid as any other mythic face of deity. When we look at our fictional tales in terms of the ancient storytelling arts, they become metaphors, allegories of what could be, crumbs of insight along the path that can eventually lead to Truth. In the age o Harry Potter, we have to ask ourselves: does fantasy have a role in magick? And are we mature enough to draw the necessary lines between the stories we tell and the real experiences we have with magick?

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]]> http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?feed=rss2&p=15 We know that many people in the magickal subcultures are inspired by fictional works. In the past, it was sort of gauche to admit that you’d gotten into magick because you read Lord of the Rings, but those on the cutting edge of magick have taken a... We know that many people in the magickal subcultures are inspired by fictional works. In the past, it was sort of gauche to admit that you’d gotten into magick because you read Lord of the Rings, but those on the cutting edge of magick have taken a different stance, approaching fantasy, science fiction, and graphic novels in terms of myths, with characters as archetypes as valid as any other mythic face of deity. When we look at our fictional tales in terms of the ancient storytelling arts, they become metaphors, allegories of what could be, crumbs of insight along the path that can eventually lead to Truth. In the age o Harry Potter, we have to ask ourselves: does fantasy have a role in magick? And are we mature enough to draw the necessary lines between the stories we tell and the real experiences we have with magick? Subscribe | Listen or Download | Discuss Chris Miller and Michelle Belanger yes 002.5: Magick in Religion/Creating Gods http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=14 http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=14#comments Thu, 23 Mar 2006 02:24:33 +0000 chris http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/2006/03/22/0025-magick-in-religioncreating-gods/ In this show, Michelle and Chris discuss the place of Magick in Religion, and the place of Religion in Magick. Where does Self stop and Divinity begin? Additionally, Michelle reads her essay, Creating Gods.

Promos played:

· Seventh Son: Descent

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]]> http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?feed=rss2&p=14 In this show, Michelle and Chris discuss the place of Magick in Religion, and the place of Religion in Magick. Where does Self stop and Divinity begin? Additionally, Michelle reads her essay, Creating Gods. - Promos played: In this show, Michelle and Chris discuss the place of Magick in Religion, and the place of Religion in Magick. Where does Self stop and Divinity begin? Additionally, Michelle reads her essay, Creating Gods. Promos played: · Seventh Son: Descent Subscribe | Listen or Download | Discuss Chris Miller and Michelle Belanger yes 002: Tolerance http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=13 http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=13#comments Thu, 16 Mar 2006 04:20:36 +0000 chris http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/2006/03/15/002-tolerance/ Ep 2: Tolerance: The Boundaries of Belief. Interview with Kerr Cuhulain. As we grow into a global village, different ideologies and different religious traditions are increasingly coming into conflict. In the West, new religious movements continue to diversify and grow, and the level of misunderstanding and misinformation between different systems can easily grow into violence and hate crimes. How do we open a dialogue between different religious traditions in order to dispel the misunderstandings? Is it possible for disparate religions to peacefully coexist? Author Kerr Cuhulain shares with us his experience in tolerance work, offering tips for helping to promote understanding especially of fringe religions. We tackle tough issues like hate crimes, willful misinformation, and tragic situations that can arise from a close-minded approach to belief.

Links from this show:

Officers of Avalon
Witchvox: Witch Hunts - Exposing The Lies

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]]> http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?feed=rss2&p=13 Ep 2: Tolerance: The Boundaries of Belief. Interview with Kerr Cuhulain. As we grow into a global village, different ideologies and different religious traditions are increasingly coming into conflict. In the West, new religious movements continue to... Ep 2: Tolerance: The Boundaries of Belief. Interview with Kerr Cuhulain. As we grow into a global village, different ideologies and different religious traditions are increasingly coming into conflict. In the West, new religious movements continue to diversify and grow, and the level of misunderstanding and misinformation between different systems can easily grow into violence and hate crimes. How do we open a dialogue between different religious traditions in order to dispel the misunderstandings? Is it possible for disparate religions to peacefully coexist? Author Kerr Cuhulain shares with us his experience in tolerance work, offering tips for helping to promote understanding especially of fringe religions. We tackle tough issues like hate crimes, willful misinformation, and tragic situations that can arise from a close-minded approach to belief. Links from this show: Officers of Avalon Witchvox: Witch Hunts - Exposing The Lies Subscribe | Listen or Download | Discuss Chris Miller and Michelle Belanger yes 001.5: Ritual as Oasis (and other Stuff) http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=12 http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=12#comments Wed, 08 Mar 2006 18:53:33 +0000 chris http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/2006/03/08/0015-ritual-as-oasis-and-other-stuff/ This is the first of our off-week shows. We’re going to do the heavy topics wiith interviews every other week, but on the off week, we’ll be bringing you short essays, book reviews, and other things. Chris will go over all of that in this show, and he has some thoughts on ritual as an oasis in the desert of the Real.

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]]> http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?feed=rss2&p=12 This is the first of our off-week shows. We're going to do the heavy topics wiith interviews every other week, but on the off week, we'll be bringing you short essays, book reviews, and other things. Chris will go over all of that in this show, and ... This is the first of our off-week shows. We're going to do the heavy topics wiith interviews every other week, but on the off week, we'll be bringing you short essays, book reviews, and other things. Chris will go over all of that in this show, and he has some thoughts on ritual as an oasis in the desert of the Real. Subscribe | Listen or Download | Discuss Chris Miller and Michelle Belanger yes The Silly Promo http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=10 http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=10#comments Fri, 03 Mar 2006 03:35:35 +0000 chris http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/2006/03/02/the-silly-promo/ Ah, yes. We were feeling a little punchy after the show last night, and so, we whipped this little baby up.  If you’d like to pass it around or use it in your podcast, please feel free.

The Silly Promo 

]]> http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?feed=rss2&p=10 Ah, yes. We were feeling a little punchy after the show last night, and so, we whipped this little baby up.  If you'd like to pass it around or use it in your podcast, please feel free. - The Silly Promo  Ah, yes. We were feeling a little punchy after the show last night, and so, we whipped this little baby up.  If you'd like to pass it around or use it in your podcast, please feel free. The Silly Promo  Chris Miller and Michelle Belanger yes Banner http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=11 http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=11#comments Fri, 03 Mar 2006 02:48:01 +0000 chris http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/2006/03/02/banner/ If you’d like to stick a banner on your site for linking to us…well…here you go:

or, Michelle whipped this little baby up:

]]> http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?feed=rss2&p=11 001: Generation X and Magick: Breaking Down the Walls http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=9 http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=9#comments Thu, 02 Mar 2006 03:08:15 +0000 chris http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/2006/03/01/001-generation-x-and-magick-breaking-down-the-walls/ Magickal workers born into Generation X are just beginning to take the stage in the publishing industry and on the teaching circuit. Frequently typified as bitter and disenfranchised youth, GenX is a generation that is not content with easy answers and prefers to define its own rules. So what does this boundary-pushing generation bring to the magickal arena? We interview author Christopher Penczak, a vibrant representative of the GenX mentality with nearly a dozen books under his belt. Penczak, like most Gen Xer’s is not content with answers that have been accepted out of habit or tradition, instead asking hard questions, breaking down artificial boundaries, and redefining the rules of magick, ritual, and deity.

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]]> http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?feed=rss2&p=9 Magickal workers born into Generation X are just beginning to take the stage in the publishing industry and on the teaching circuit. Frequently typified as bitter and disenfranchised youth, GenX is a generation that is not content with easy answers a... Magickal workers born into Generation X are just beginning to take the stage in the publishing industry and on the teaching circuit. Frequently typified as bitter and disenfranchised youth, GenX is a generation that is not content with easy answers and prefers to define its own rules. So what does this boundary-pushing generation bring to the magickal arena? We interview author Christopher Penczak, a vibrant representative of the GenX mentality with nearly a dozen books under his belt. Penczak, like most Gen Xer's is not content with answers that have been accepted out of habit or tradition, instead asking hard questions, breaking down artificial boundaries, and redefining the rules of magick, ritual, and deity. Subscribe | Listen or Download | Discuss Chris Miller and Michelle Belanger yes Schedule of Topics Posted http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=8 http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=8#comments Tue, 28 Feb 2006 14:38:40 +0000 chris http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/2006/02/28/schedule-of-topics-posted/ We’ve posted a tenative schedule of the next seven shows. Check it out and see what interests you!

]]> http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?feed=rss2&p=8 Nox Arcana http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=6 http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=6#comments Sun, 26 Feb 2006 18:35:46 +0000 chris http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/2006/02/26/nox-arcana/ The music for Shadowdance will be graciously provided by Nox Arcana.  Most of the music we are using at present is from their Transylvania CD, but I’m utterly hooked on both that CD and Necronomicon.

Because I’m always willing to share good music, here is a medley sampler of some of the music on Transylvania.

]]> http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?feed=rss2&p=6 The music for Shadowdance will be graciously provided by Nox Arcana.  Most of the music we are using at present is from their Transylvania CD, but I'm utterly hooked on both that CD and Necronomicon. The music for Shadowdance will be graciously provided by Nox Arcana.  Most of the music we are using at present is from their Transylvania CD, but I'm utterly hooked on both that CD and Necronomicon. Because I'm always willing to share good music, here is a medley sampler of some of the music on Transylvania. Chris Miller and Michelle Belanger yes Shadowdance Teaser http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=5 http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=5#comments Sat, 25 Feb 2006 05:05:19 +0000 chris http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/2006/02/25/shadowdance-teaser/ For anyone wanting a brief promo for their podcast, here’s a 25 second teaser.

Download mp3

]]> http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?feed=rss2&p=5 For anyone wanting a brief promo for their podcast, here's a 25 second teaser. - Download mp3 For anyone wanting a brief promo for their podcast, here's a 25 second teaser. Download mp3 Chris Miller and Michelle Belanger yes Something wicked this way comes… http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=3 http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=3#comments Thu, 23 Feb 2006 19:01:55 +0000 chris http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?p=3 Shadowdance will be one of the first podcasts of its type, devoted to the vampire community, magick and all those other topics that dance just outside the light. In each episode, Michelle and Chris will bring you news, tips, ideas, explorations, interviews, music, art, and whatever else they find that is worth passing along. We have no limit to the topics we want to explore.

Looking to contribute? Have a suggestion? Leave comments on the blog while we prepare our first episode.

]]> http://www.shadowdancepodcast.com/?feed=rss2&p=3