To what extent do we idolize superheroes who would be utterly narcissistic and abusive if they existed in reality? In WandaVision, we see the effects of the main character's grief and trauma on everyday people, where manipulative magick is a metaphor for gaslighting. In Wanda's case, she literally projects her denial on a screen for others to watch. Read more
Last week, the world of academic Pagan Studies lost a giant. Scholar, author, researcher, and drummer Wendy Griffin passed away at the age of 78 on February 12th. Her death was deeply affecting to me and to many others who knew her, were influenced by her or supported by her as she strove to legitimize the academic study of Paganism. Read more
With further revelations of Joss Whedon's conduct on the set of his iconic shows, "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Angel," fans and scholars wonder what to make of Whedon's tarnished legacy as a "feminist" filmmaker. Read more
Norwegian group Wardruna continues its journey through the realms of Norse animism with its latest release "Kvitravn." Famous for his work with the tv show "Vikings," bandleader and historian Einar Selvik offers an inspiring perspective on music as a spiritual tool. Read more
Neil Gaiman's comic "Sandman," remains one of the most important occultural artifacts of the late 20th century. After decades of failed attempts, an upcoming Netflix production promises to finally bring the complex story to the screen. What do the recent casting announcements tell us about what to expect? Read more
Have you noticed how often women who are either witches, superheroes, or fantasy heroines have to encounter some version of power dampening in their character development? I call it the "disempowered woman" trope. And it's everywhere, Read more
Every four years, we as a nation view the performance of an inauguration ritual, in which state power is either transferred or re-affirmed. This year in particular had aspects that could possibly be described as magickal. Read more
The entire recent season of "Star Trek: Discovery" is an allegory for collective trauma, our responses to it individually and culturally, and the possibility of healing. Read more
David Bowie is the ultimate representation of both the fascinating power and the tense anxieties behind the complex, alchemical mixture of music, performance and the occult. Read more
In "The Imp of the Perverse," The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina reframes witchcraft as resistance and also examines a psychological urge for chaotic power in its villain that mirrors the political moment in which America currently finds itself. Read more
Occultural Context
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