In this episode of Spirit Box, I sit down with Joshua Cutchin and Ryan Grulich to discuss their latest film project, The Lady of the Lake. The true crime documentary follows investigator Amanda Paulson and her team as they delve into the chilling case of Hallie Illingworth, a local woman who disappeared in 1937 and was found three years later in Lake Crescent under disturbing circumstances. Her body, eerily preserved with a soap-like texture, raised more questions than answers about what really happened to her. As Paulson's team digs deeper, they uncover unsettling truths about Hallie’s tragic fate, revealing a history of violence and long-buried secrets. The investigation leads them beyond the mystery of Hallie's death, unraveling a web of disturbing stories that have remained hidden for decades and uncovering a horrifying truth about the lake's dark past and the fate of those who enter its depths.What I found particularly compelling about this project is how it challenges traditional true crime storytelling—rather than sensationalising the victim’s fate, Joshua and Ryan emphasise her humanity, offering a narrative that is both deeply personal and powerfully unsettling. We also explore the film’s folkloric and paranormal elements, discussing how myth-making shapes our understanding of places and events.

Beyond The Lady of the Lake, our conversation expands into the broader theme of re-enchantment and cultural transformation. We discuss how Western society is slowly shifting away from rigid materialism towards a more spiritually integrated worldview—one where folklore, consciousness, and the unexplained are no longer dismissed but embraced as essential parts of our reality. This shift is something I’ve explored in many episodes, and here we consider how storytelling, film, and other media are playing a key role in rekindling a sense of mystery and wonder in the modern world.

In the Plus Show, we take a deep dive into Joshua and Ryan’s upcoming UFO documentary series. They share insights into how they’re approaching the project, looking at UFO encounters not just as unexplained aerial phenomena but as events that have shaped human spirituality, belief systems, and cultural evolution. We talk about the challenges of tackling the extraterrestrial and interdimensional hypotheses, the reluctance of mainstream figures to engage with esoteric subjects.

This was a fascinating conversation that weaves together true crime, folklore, and the unexplained, uncovering the deeper connections between these worlds. Tune in for an exploration of mystery, mythology, and the shifting tides of human consciousness.

Show notes:

Creepy Kingdom ⁠https://www.creepykingdom.com⁠

Trailer ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWnPTOcEZ-Q&t=76s⁠

Joshua Cutchin ⁠https://www.joshuacutchin.com⁠

LOTL on instagram ⁠https://www.instagram.com/theladyofthelakedoc/⁠

Keep in touch?

⁠https://linktr.ee/darraghmason⁠

Music by Obliqka ⁠https://soundcloud.com/obliqka

In this episode of Spirit Box, we welcome historian, initiate and researcher David Pantano to discuss his latest book, 'Alchemical Hermeticism, The Secret Teachings of Marco Daffi on Initiation' a comprehensive look at the man born Baron Ricciardo Ricciardelli yet better known by his spiritual name Marco Daffi. David presents Daffi’s writings on his unique and unusual experiences from five decades of alchemical and hermetic practice, available for the first time in English. Covering esoteric concepts such as past life regression, internal energy projection, and the alchemical transformation of the self.

In the Plus show, David shares insights into Daffi’s karmic journey, his initiations within magical orders, and the Trial of the Magus, a dramatic moment in his life. We also explore the interplay of Hermeticism and sexuality, the symbolism behind his book cover, and the significance of monads in consciousness building. The conversation expands into Eastern and Western esoteric parallels, including the Chöd ritual and the Red and Black Banquets.

Tune in for a deep dive into Hermetic philosophy, spiritual transformation, and the mystical legacy of a forgotten master. Plus, David teases his upcoming work, The Hermetic Book of the Dead.
Show notes:
Get the book https://www.innertraditions.com/alchemical-hermeticism
David's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/pantanodavid/
David's Facebook https://www.facebook.com/david.pantano.5
David's YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@davpan1000

Keep in touch?

⁠https://linktr.ee/darraghmason⁠

Music by Obliqka⁠https://soundcloud.com/obliqka

In this episode of Spirit Box, I’m joined by the multitalented Carl Abrahamsson, a photographer, a writer, filmmaker, and magician deeply embedded in the world of esotericism.

We discuss his latest book, Meetings with Remarkable Magicians: Life in the Occult Underground, which explores his encounters with some of the most fascinating figures in contemporary esotericism, offering unique insights into their practices, philosophies, and influence on modern occult culture.

Carl shares his creative journey, from his early influences—shaped by avant-garde art and music—to his academic work on Aleister Crowley’s influence in cinema. He provides insights into his experiences with notable occult figures, including his time with the Church of Satan and his connections to Kenneth Anger and Genesis P. Orridge.

In the Plus show, we delve into the role of artists as vessels for magical currents, the impact of psychedelic experiences on art, and the necessity of holistic approaches to modern challenges. Along the way, we touch on everything from the power of old films to the importance of trusting one's inner voice. We also explore the evolving landscape of occult publishing, the mainstreaming of esoteric thought, and the importance of creativity as a means of self-discovery.Join us for a wide-ranging conversation on magic, creativity, and the ever-changing nature of the occult underground.

Show Notes:

Carl's websitehttps://www.carlabrahamsson.com

Meetings with Remarkable Magicians: Life in the Occult Undergroundhttps://www.amazon.com/stores/Carl-Abrahamsson/author/B0773LJ92X

Carl's Substackhttps://thefenriswolf.substack.com

Patreonhttps://www.patreon.com/vanessa23carl

Lucifer Risinghttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yc24lIdb_8

The Holy Mountainhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avTOLTUqf1w&rco=1

Sergei Eisensteinhttps://www.britannica.com/biography/Sergey-Eisenstein

Battleship "Potemkin" by Sergei Eisensteinhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_bkBbrdyyw

Eisenstein on Joycehttps://www.nova-nevedoma.com/eisenstein-about-joyce/

Kenneth Angerhttps://www.anothermag.com/design-living/14890/cult-filmmaker-kenneth-anger-on-his-relationship-with-the-occult

Anton LeVayhttps://www.britannica.com/biography/Anton-LaVey

Genesis P. Orridgehttps://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/mar/15/genesis-p-orridge-obituary

Keep in touch?

https://linktr.ee/darraghmason

Music by Obliqkahttps://soundcloud.com/obliqka