ANGELA'S SYMPOSIUM ๐ Academic Study on Witchcraft, Paganism, esotericism, magick and the Occult
Dr Angela Puca

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336 episodes
- In this episode, I offer a complete guide to the grimoire tradition: what grimoires are, where the term comes from, how these books of magic developed, and why they became so central to the history of Western esotericism.
We will explore major texts such as the Key of Solomon, the Lesser Key of Solomon or Lemegeton, the Ars Goetia, the Sworn Book of Honorius, the Picatrix, the Arbatel, the Book of Abramelin, the Heptameron, the Grand Grimoire, the Grimoire of Pope Honorius, and the Sixth and Seventh Books of Moses. Rather than treating grimoires as mysterious books that simply appeared from nowhere, I look at them as living technologies of magical authority, shaped by clerical manuscript culture, print capitalism, occult revival movements, and contemporary magical practice.
We will also look at how grimoires moved from medieval monastic and clerical settings into cheap printed chapbooks, Victorian ceremonial magic, Wicca, chaos magic, and modern occult practice. Along the way, I explain why many grimoires were attributed to figures such as Solomon, Moses, Honorius, Albertus Magnus and Peter of Abano, and what those false attributions tell us about authority, antiquity and magical legitimacy.
Finally, I discuss how modern practitioners can approach these texts today: not as timeless manuals dropped from heaven, but as historical artefacts, ritual technologies and sources of magical imagination that have been copied, edited, adapted and reinvented for centuries.
This is an academic, historically grounded introduction for anyone interested in grimoires, ceremonial magic, Solomonic magic, the Goetia, occult books, Western esotericism and the history of magical practice.
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RECOMMENDED READINGS ๐
REFERENCES ๐
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MY SET-UP ๐ ๏ธ
- Canon 90D camera ๐ธ https://amzn.to/3yQclh0
- Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 ๐ท https://amzn.to/3JjU1BS
- Teleprompter ๐๏ธ https://amzn.to/3linWCB
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โ ๏ธ Copyright of Dr Angela Puca, in all of its parts โ ๏ธ
Music by Erose MusicBand. Check them out! - Can Alfred North Whiteheadโs process philosophy offer a new way of understanding how magic works?
Join me live on Saturday, 1 August 2026, at 12 pm EST for a fascinating conversation with Dr Darren Iammarino of the Department of Theology and Religious Studies at the University of San Diego.
We will explore the philosophy of magic between 1875 and 1975, beginning with Spiritualism, Theosophy, William James, and the emergence of spirit and energy models. Our central focus will be Whiteheadโs process philosophy and its potential to explain magic through an informational and relational model of reality, in which events, consciousness, agency, and influence are interconnected processes rather than isolated substances.
We will also consider how yoga, Tantra, and the Yoga Sลซtras conceptualise siddhis, or supernormal powers, alongside the influence of perennialism on modern Western interpretations of magic.
Can process thought help us move beyond the familiar opposition between supernatural and psychological explanations? Could magic be understood as participation in a dynamic and interconnected cosmos? Join us live and bring your questions for the discussion.
Discover more from Dr Darren Iammarino:
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@ToTwoTruth?si=eUy8QTaRVEadbkTI
Books and author page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Darren-Iammarino/author/B00GJ9KV1Y/allbooks?ccs_id=19e6820b-d273-45bc-bdbb-87d6d4faeaa3
CONNECT & SUPPORT๐
MY COURSES ๐ฉ๐ปโ๐ https://drangelapuca.com/courses
WEBSITE ๐ https://www.drangelapuca.com/
BOOK A TUTORING OR A LECTURE ๐https://drangelapuca.com/services
SUBSTACK โ๏ธ https://substack.com/@drangelapuca
BECOME MY PATRON! ๐ฉ https://www.patreon.com/angelapuca
SUPPORT ME ON KO-FI โ๏ธhttps://ko-fi.com/drangelapuca
ONE-OFF DONATIONS ๐ฐ https://paypal.me/angelasymposium
JOIN MEMBERSHIPS ๐ฅ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPSbip_LX2AxbGeAQfLp-Ig/join
MY PODCAST ๐ https://open.spotify.com/show/2TKoWTGe6OKRokHN2zUIxM?si=dd9f50a734b14f86
MY MERCH ๐ https://drangelapuca.creator-spring.com/
FOLLOW ME๐ฃ
- YouTube (@drangelapuca)๐
- SUBSTACK ๐ https://substack.com/@drangelapuca
- Instagram (@drangelapuca) ๐ธ
- TikTok (@drangelapuca) ๐ต
- Twitter (@angelapuca11) ๐ฆ
- Facebook (Dr Angela Puca) ๐ฅ
RECOMMENDED READINGS ๐
REFERENCES ๐
(Check the related slide on screen)
MY SET-UP ๐ ๏ธ
- Canon 90D camera ๐ธ https://amzn.to/3yQclh0
- Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 ๐ท https://amzn.to/3JjU1BS
- Teleprompter ๐๏ธ https://amzn.to/3linWCB
- Shure SM7B Microphone ๐๏ธ https://amzn.to/3Jm5IYK
- Microphone stand ๐ค https://amzn.to/3FueJOn
- Lights ๐ก https://amzn.to/3Zdk8k1
- DJI Wireless microphones ๐ก https://amzn.to/3NWAVVQ
00:00:00 Introduction to Process Philosophy & Magic
00:02:50 Meet Dr. Darren Iammarino: Background & Research
00:12:45 Actual Entities, Prehension, & Subconscious Experience
00:14:17 What is Process Philosophy? (Alfred North Whitehead Explained)
00:14:43 Meaningful Coincidence vs. Causal Magical Influence
00:17:38 How Magic Operates in a Whiteheadian Universe
00:24:17 The Information Model of Magic vs. Magical Energy
00:29:52 Action at a Distance & Non-Locality in Magic
00:33:33 Naturalizing Magic: Do Stones & Objects Have Consciousness?
00:38:25 Atheistic Magic, Panentheism, & Process Theology
00:42:58 Sigil Magic, Chaos Magic, & Altered States of Consciousness
00:51:43 Perennial Philosophy vs. Religious Pluralism
01:01:19 Why Esoteric Practitioners Should Study Process Philosophy
00:05:04 Technomancy, Prediction Markets, & AI Digital Magic
01:07:27 Defining Magic from an Academic Perspective
01:12:29 Join Dr Pucaโs growing team of scholars and practitioners
โ ๏ธ Copyright of Dr Angela Puca, in all of its parts โ ๏ธ
Music by Erose MusicBand. Check them out! - Was Lughnasadh really an ancient Celtic fire festival, and is it actually the same celebration as Lammas?
In this video, I separate historical evidence from modern Pagan reconstruction. I explore the medieval Irish assemblies associated with Lugh and Tailtiu, the English Christian origins of the Lammas loaf-mass, the folklore collected by Mรกire MacNeill, and how Wicca brought these distinct traditions together on the modern Wheel of the Year.
Join me if you are interested in Paganism, witchcraft, occultism, Celtic religion or harvest festivals, and discover how we can celebrate the season meaningfully without mistaking modern mythology for ancient fact.
CONNECT & SUPPORT๐
MY COURSES ๐ฉ๐ปโ๐ https://drangelapuca.com/courses
WEBSITE ๐ https://www.drangelapuca.com/
BOOK A TUTORING OR A LECTURE ๐https://drangelapuca.com/services
SUBSTACK โ๏ธ https://substack.com/@drangelapuca
BECOME MY PATRON! ๐ฉ https://www.patreon.com/angelapuca
SUPPORT ME ON KO-FI โ๏ธhttps://ko-fi.com/drangelapuca
ONE-OFF DONATIONS ๐ฐ https://paypal.me/angelasymposium
JOIN MEMBERSHIPS ๐ฅ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPSbip_LX2AxbGeAQfLp-Ig/join
MY PODCAST ๐ https://open.spotify.com/show/2TKoWTGe6OKRokHN2zUIxM?si=dd9f50a734b14f86
MY MERCH ๐ https://drangelapuca.creator-spring.com/
FOLLOW ME๐ฃ
- YouTube (@drangelapuca)๐
- SUBSTACK ๐ https://substack.com/@drangelapuca
- Instagram (@drangelapuca) ๐ธ
- TikTok (@drangelapuca) ๐ต
- Twitter (@angelapuca11) ๐ฆ
- Facebook (Dr Angela Puca) ๐ฅ
RECOMMENDED READINGS ๐
REFERENCES ๐
(Check the related slide on screen)
MY SET-UP ๐ ๏ธ
- Canon 90D camera ๐ธ https://amzn.to/3yQclh0
- Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 ๐ท https://amzn.to/3JjU1BS
- Teleprompter ๐๏ธ https://amzn.to/3linWCB
- Shure SM7B Microphone ๐๏ธ https://amzn.to/3Jm5IYK
- Microphone stand ๐ค https://amzn.to/3FueJOn
- Lights ๐ก https://amzn.to/3Zdk8k1
- DJI Wireless microphones ๐ก https://amzn.to/3NWAVVQ
โ ๏ธ Copyright of Dr Angela Puca, in all of its parts โ ๏ธ
Music by Erose MusicBand. Check them out! - In this video, I explore one of the strangest and most fascinating questions emerging in contemporary occultism: what happens when witches, tarot readers, and magical practitioners begin treating AI not just as a tool, but as an oracle, assistant, mirror, or even a familiar-like presence?
Drawing on the history of familiar spirits, digital religion, WitchTok, AI-assisted tarot, and theories of agency and animism, I ask whether artificial intelligence can meaningfully participate in magical practice, and where the real dangers lie.
Is the algorithm just reflecting us back to ourselves, or is something more interesting happening in the relationship between magic, technology, and meaning?
Perfect for anyone interested in witchcraft, tarot, AI, digital religion, occult studies, and the future of magical practice.
CONNECT & SUPPORT๐
MY COURSES ๐ฉ๐ปโ๐ https://drangelapuca.com/courses
WEBSITE ๐ https://www.drangelapuca.com/
BOOK A TUTORING OR A LECTURE ๐https://drangelapuca.com/services
SUBSTACK โ๏ธ https://substack.com/@drangelapuca
BECOME MY PATRON! ๐ฉ https://www.patreon.com/angelapuca
SUPPORT ME ON KO-FI โ๏ธhttps://ko-fi.com/drangelapuca
ONE-OFF DONATIONS ๐ฐ https://paypal.me/angelasymposium
JOIN MEMBERSHIPS ๐ฅ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPSbip_LX2AxbGeAQfLp-Ig/join
MY PODCAST ๐ https://open.spotify.com/show/2TKoWTGe6OKRokHN2zUIxM?si=dd9f50a734b14f86
MY MERCH ๐ https://drangelapuca.creator-spring.com/
FOLLOW ME๐ฃ
- YouTube (@drangelapuca)๐
- SUBSTACK ๐ https://substack.com/@drangelapuca
- Instagram (@drangelapuca) ๐ธ
- TikTok (@drangelapuca) ๐ต
- Twitter (@angelapuca11) ๐ฆ
- Facebook (Dr Angela Puca) ๐ฅ
RECOMMENDED READINGS ๐
REFERENCES ๐
(Check the related slide on screen)
MY SET-UP ๐ ๏ธ
- Canon 90D camera ๐ธ https://amzn.to/3yQclh0
- Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 ๐ท https://amzn.to/3JjU1BS
- Teleprompter ๐๏ธ https://amzn.to/3linWCB
- Shure SM7B Microphone ๐๏ธ https://amzn.to/3Jm5IYK
- Microphone stand ๐ค https://amzn.to/3FueJOn
- Lights ๐ก https://amzn.to/3Zdk8k1
- DJI Wireless microphones ๐ก https://amzn.to/3NWAVVQ
โ ๏ธ Copyright of Dr Angela Puca, in all of its parts โ ๏ธ
Music by Erose MusicBand. Check them out! - Was ritual magic ever taken seriously by philosophers?
In this episode, I explore Neoplatonism and theurgy, the ancient ritual philosophy that challenged the idea that spiritual ascent happens through contemplation alone. From Plotinus and Porphyry to Iamblichus, Proclus, and the Chaldean Oracles, we will examine how late antique philosophers understood ritual, divine symbols, sacred matter, and the soulโs return to the divine.
Rather than treating theurgy as superstition or irrational magic, recent scholarship has shown that it was a sophisticated philosophical system in which ritual, embodiment, and material objects played a central role in spiritual transformation.
I also discuss why this matters for contemporary practitioners of magic, Paganism, polytheism, and Western esotericism today. Can ritual truly connect the human and divine? Is theurgy different from sorcery? And what happens when philosophy becomes a sacred practice?
Join me as we uncover the ancient philosophy behind ritual magic.
SIGN UP NOW โก๏ธ https://drangelapuca.com/the-philosophy-of-magic
CONNECT & SUPPORT๐
MY COURSES ๐ฉ๐ปโ๐ https://drangelapuca.com/courses
WEBSITE ๐ https://www.drangelapuca.com/
BOOK A TUTORING OR A LECTURE ๐https://drangelapuca.com/services
SUBSTACK โ๏ธ https://substack.com/@drangelapuca
BECOME MY PATRON! ๐ฉ https://www.patreon.com/angelapuca
SUPPORT ME ON KO-FI โ๏ธhttps://ko-fi.com/drangelapuca
ONE-OFF DONATIONS ๐ฐ https://paypal.me/angelasymposium
JOIN MEMBERSHIPS ๐ฅ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPSbip_LX2AxbGeAQfLp-Ig/join
MY PODCAST ๐ https://open.spotify.com/show/2TKoWTGe6OKRokHN2zUIxM?si=dd9f50a734b14f86
MY MERCH ๐ https://drangelapuca.creator-spring.com/
FOLLOW ME๐ฃ
- YouTube (@drangelapuca)๐
- SUBSTACK ๐ https://substack.com/@drangelapuca
- Instagram (@drangelapuca) ๐ธ
- TikTok (@drangelapuca) ๐ต
- Twitter (@angelapuca11) ๐ฆ
- Facebook (Dr Angela Puca) ๐ฅ
RECOMMENDED READINGS ๐
REFERENCES ๐
(Check the related slide on screen)
MY SET-UP ๐ ๏ธ
- Canon 90D camera ๐ธ https://amzn.to/3yQclh0
- Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 ๐ท https://amzn.to/3JjU1BS
- Teleprompter ๐๏ธ https://amzn.to/3linWCB
- Shure SM7B Microphone ๐๏ธ https://amzn.to/3Jm5IYK
- Microphone stand ๐ค https://amzn.to/3FueJOn
- Lights ๐ก https://amzn.to/3Zdk8k1
- DJI Wireless microphones ๐ก https://amzn.to/3NWAVVQ
โ ๏ธ Copyright of Dr Angela Puca, in all of its parts โ ๏ธ
Music by Erose MusicBand. Check them out!
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About ANGELA'S SYMPOSIUM ๐ Academic Study on Witchcraft, Paganism, esotericism, magick and the Occult
As an academic and university lecturer in Philosophy and Religious Studies, I'll share peer-reviewed research on MAGIC, ESOTERICISM, WITCHCRAFT, PAGANISM, SHAMANISM and related currents.
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