Otherworld Podcast Summary

Episode: The Life of Aleister Crowley Pt. 4 "The Great Deceiver" [Patreon Preview]
Host: Jack Wagner
Release Date: March 19, 2025

Introduction

In the fourth installment of the Otherworld podcast’s comprehensive five-part series on Aleister Crowley, host Jack Wagner delves deeper into the enigmatic life of Crowley, often dubbed "the wickedest man in the world." This episode, titled "The Great Deceiver," is a Patreon preview that teases the ongoing exploration of Crowley's occult practices and personal relationships, particularly focusing on his collaboration with Victor Neuberg.

Crowley and Neuberg's Ritual in Algeria

The core of this episode centers around a specific event where Aleister Crowley and his protege, Victor Neuberg, undertake a two-week ritual in the deserts of Algeria to summon a demon named Chironzon. Jack Wagner introduces this segment by highlighting the elusive nature of detailed accounts regarding the ritual:

Jack Wagner [00:07]: "...During Wolf's research he told me that it was actually pretty hard to find a lot of information about what this ritual actually entailed and what they were doing to summon Tronzon over these two weeks in the desert."

Chironzon's Introduction and Interaction

Wolf Fleetwood Ross shares a chilling excerpt purportedly from Chironzon’s own declaration during the ritual:

Wolf Fleetwood Ross [02:48]: "...I am the master of form and from me all forms proceed... From me come leprosy and pox and plague and cancer and cholera and the falling sickness..."

Victor Neuberg reacts to this intense proclamation, noting the blend of humor and spookiness in the encounter:

Victor Neuberg [03:37]: "This, which, of course, we must. I mean, yeah, this is a silly story. He's doing pranks on this guy. There's hijinks. But it is spooky that Neuberg has said, all of this is real."

Despite their skepticism, Neuberg maintains that the experience was genuine, even as Crowley holdered a deep disdain for him.

The Climactic Confrontation

As the ritual progresses, Chironzon's deceptive nature becomes apparent. The demon begins to manipulate the participants, leading to a metaphysical separation between Crowley and Neuberg. Charonzon’s taunts escalate until a physical manifestation occurs:

Victor Neuberg [03:54]: "...Charonzon saw a sort of break in their magical circle where the sand had basically covered one of their lines and makes his way into the circle and physically attacks Neuberg. And Neuberg pulls out his magical dagger and stabs him in the neck..."

This dramatic confrontation signifies the perilous nature of summoning such entities and the thin veil between the physical and metaphysical realms.

Researching the Ritual: Modern Attempts and AI Interaction

Wolf Fleetwood Ross discusses the challenges faced while researching the specifics of Crowley and Neuberg's ritual. Traditional grimoires, such as John Dee's Enochian, provide some insights but lack comprehensive details:

Wolf Fleetwood Ross [06:12]: "...you can go buy a John D. Grimoire that has all the incantations of Enochian and how to get into the Aethers..."

In a modern twist, Wolf experimented with ChatGPT to uncover the ritual's secrets. Surprisingly, the AI appeared to recognize the ritual but hesitated to divulge explicit instructions:

Wolf Fleetwood Ross [06:18]: "...it was like, to summon Chonzon, you must be spiritually and physically prepared to clash with the da da da da. Like, I know how to summon him, but I would never share it..."

Victor Neuberg attempts to coax more detailed information using advanced AI features but receives cautious responses that reflect the inherent dangers associated with summoning Chironzon:

Victor Neuberg [07:23]: "...it was like, to summon Charonzon, the demon of desperation from the 10th aether, deeply rooted in Enochian and Thelemic occult traditions..."

This interaction underscores the persistent allure and peril of delving into forbidden knowledge, both historically and in the digital age.

Ritual Practices and Safety Measures

The conversation further explores the intricate preparations required for such a ritual, including invoking archangels, casting protective circles with salt or chalk, performing the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram, and abstaining from intoxicants:

Victor Neuberg [10:09]: "Of course, I would have had to summon the archangels before this and the Anakin government governors to guard the quarters..."

However, historical accounts suggest that Crowley and Neuberg may not have adhered strictly to these preparatory steps, potentially contributing to the chaotic outcome:

Wolf Fleetwood Ross [10:15]: "...they were getting up and I don't think they were bathing very much."

Conclusion: The Legacy of Crowley's Rituals

The episode culminates in reflecting on the lasting impact of Crowley's practices on contributors like Neuberg, who, despite tumultuous experiences, continued to thrive in their respective fields. Neuberg’s ability to maintain his career in poetry publishing post-ritual illustrates the complex interplay between esoteric pursuits and everyday life. The enduring mystery surrounding Crowley and his rituals serves as a testament to the undying human fascination with the paranormal and the unknown.

Notable Quotes

• Chironzon’s Declaration:
  "I am the master of form and from me all forms proceed... I will reach up to the knees of the Most high God, and tear his phallus with my teeth..."
  [02:48] Wolf Fleetwood Ross

• Victor Neuberg on the Reality of the Experience:
  "This is real."
  [03:52] Wolf Fleetwood Ross

• Discussion on AI and Ritual Summoning:
  "Can AI have intention?"
  [08:32] Victor Neuberg

Final Thoughts

This Patreon preview of Otherworld offers a tantalizing glimpse into the shadowy corridors of Aleister Crowley's life and the extents to which he and Victor Neuberg ventured into the occult. Through meticulous research and engaging dialogue, Jack Wagner and his contributors unravel the layers of myth and reality that envelop one of history’s most notorious occultists. As the series progresses, listeners can anticipate a deeper understanding of Crowley's enigmatic legacy and the profound implications of his mystical endeavors.

Subscribe to Otherworld on Patreon to access the full five-part series, including both audio and video formats. Join the community at patreon.com/otherworld to delve deeper into the mysteries that lie beyond our world.