wanted to help with that. I had asked what he thought about me writing the book, and told me to do it and that he wanted to help. His introduction as “Mordecai the Foul” gives some of his corrections of my errors. MO In your personal opinion—and to the benefit of new students and initiates— how would you describe “Occult Philosophy”? EW I tend to think that occult means hidden, so I think of hidden philosophy, ways of thinking that can get one in trouble with the authorities. MO What was your personal start on your own journey on this path (or chosen profession)? EW As a child I had an 8:00 bedtime, 8:30 if I read. That brainwashed me into becoming a constant reader. At five I loved the cartoon Eighth Man where the android used the name Tobor (robot backwards). A few years later I watched Son of Dracula where Lon Chaney Jr.’s character uses the name Alucard. This prepared me for Joyce, Wilson, and Crowley’s word games. Plus reading Phil Farmer and Philip K. Dick as teen prepared me for reading Dr. Wilson.
would recommend to a new student or occult practitioner (or historian / academic)? EW I love Rafi Zabor’s books, and he and I have become friends. I started reading his writing on jazz in Musician magazine in 1979, and I highly recommend his books. MO And finally, what is one daily activity that you believe is a MUST for all seekers of the occult philosophies and/or arts? EW I don’t know. I do Duolingo every day. I think anyone interested the Kabbalah might enjoy using Duolingo to learn the Hebrew alphabet (unless they already know it). I do Ibn ‘Arabi’s Prayers for the Week, translated by Hirtenstein and Beneito, every day, and I highly recommend them.
MO To this magazine, the concept of “modern occultism” can (and should) be equally viewed from both the academic and practical sides. What would you recommend to a person only now coming along to these subjects, and is uncertain if an objective academic career, or a true “practical path” may be right for them? EW Beats me. If you can get good degrees and get paid for some publications, that seems a great blessing. MO What is one book, film, lecture, or teacher that helped shape your journey and personal philosophies that you
MODERN OCCULTIST MAGAZINE
SUMMER SOLSTICE 2026
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