Product Description

Producer’s Review: THE RITES OF MAGICK

The Rites of Magick is a feature length (90 minute) dramatic documentary on the rites, ceremonies and meditative practices of America’s oldest continually operating Magical tradition: The Order of the Temple of Astarte in Southern California. The O.T.A. is the religious-fraternal order of The Church of the Hermetic Sciences incorporated in 1971. This production was filmed and video-recorded in temples, outdoor henges, and retreats of the Order from 1974 to the 21st century. It is divided into six chapters: Hermetic Yoga, Pathworkings, Seasonal Ceremonies, The Magical Eucharist, Enochian Watchtowers, and -- as a special bonus feature -- a surrealist Alchemical Fantasy from the talented avant-garde filmmaker Eric Bossick.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #32827 in DVD
• Released on: 2005-09-15
• Formats: Color, Digital Sound, Full length, NTSC
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 90 minutes

From the Actor
In The Rites of Magick we introduce the Western counterpart to Tantric yoga in which qabalistic-planetary spheres are developed within the body in a similar manner to the chakras of the East. In Pathworkings we take you through the Dark Mirror on an astral journey to one of these inner spheres. In Seasonal Ceremonies we show you one of our first performances (1974) of the Goddess Astarte’s journey to the underworld from the myths of ancient Canaan. The cast includes Pagan elder Joseph Wilson, and the original founders of the Neo-Pagan Movement in America, Frederick Adams and Lady Svetlana of Feraferia. Following this historical footage we present a (2004) dramatic torchlight rendition of our Summer Solstice rite in which the Green Man is slain by the Dark Lord in an ancient Phoenician myth drama.

In the Communion of the Elements we again return to 1974 for an early version of this rite, followed by a totally silent and masked presentation, accompanied by organ music, performed in 2003.

We believe we have the first visually recorded presentation of an Enochian Watchtower Opening ceremony. After a brief history and explanation of the system we enter the temple where all five Enochian Tablets are displayed. The operator opens each in turn, concluding with the Portal Call before the Tablet of Union.

Our bonus feature is a short fantasy about mad alchemist determined to create an elixir that will restore his disfigured face to its original appearance. It’s Hieronymus Bosch meets Salvador Dali on film.

In conclusion I explain that our particular school of magick is based on the 18th century rite of Crata Repoa and that we are of the ancient Hermetic Tradition.

We believe that this production will be of considerable interest to students of the occult, magick, Neo-Paganism, cultural anthropology and avant-garde religion. Carroll "Poke" Runyon, M.A. Producer/Narrator

About the Actor
Biographical Sketch: Carroll "Poke" Runyon Carroll "Poke" Runyon describes himself as a "Gentleman of the Old School" which he defines as: "One who recites classical poetry to heartless beauties while wrestling alligators." He has lived out his Neo-Romantic philosophy as a Captain in the Green Berets, a student of Ninjutsu, a blue-water sailor, scuba diver, and a ceremonial magician.

His background in occult study and practice is extensive: in 1970, following a near-death experience, and a mystic vision, he became the founder of The Ordo Templi Astartes (O.T.A.). which is now America’s oldest continually operating Ritual magick Lodge. In 1980 Runyon received his Master’s Degree in cultural anthropology from California State University at Northridge, specializing in Magick. After graduate school he went through all the degrees of Freemasonry in both the Scottish and York Rites.

He then undertook an intense series of Tibetan tantric initiations and training sessions under the direction of H.E. Luding Khen Rinpoche of The Sakya Order, mastering the Vajra Yogini (Goddess of the Sorcerers) system. Runyon later received the Kalachakra initiation from H.H. The Dalai Lama.

Carroll Runyon has served as an officer in three active Golden Dawn temples. His articles on Magick and the Western Tradition have appeared in Gnostica magazine, and his Order’s journal The Seventh Ray. His most noted contribution to the post W.W. II occult revival has been his rediscovery, and subsequent development, of the facial reflection/distortion dark mirror scrying method for magical evocation. In 1974 he appeared as a guest on Tom Snyder’s network television Tomorrow Show narrating film footage of O.T.A. magical operations. In 1996, through his Church (The Church of the Hermetic Sciences, Inc.) Runyon wrote, produced and narrated a 75 minute video documentary entitled: The Magick of Solomon, followed by The Dark Mirror of Magick in 2001, and most recently a feature length production: The Rites of Magick in 2005. He has also authored The Book of Solomon’s Magick, Secrets of the Golden Dawn Cypher Manuscript, and Seasonal Rites of Baal and Astarte while acting as editor of The Seventh Ray journal.

Customer Reviews

A BEAUTIFUL AND PROFOUND TESTAMENT TO THE ART OF WESTERN MAGICK
By Lon Milo DuQuette -- It is extremely difficult to properly address the highly esoteric aspects of ceremonial magick in a documentary film format. Perhaps that is why there are so few videos and DVDs currently available on the topic. There are several obvious reasons for this. First of all, the number of authorities qualified to comment upon the subject is exceedingly small. Secondly, among those who are qualified there are almost none who are able, willing or blessed with the talent and sense of audacious showmanship required to produce such projects. There is no question that Poke Runyon possesses in abundance that rare and magical combination of qualities, or that the world of the Hermetic arts and sciences is immeasurably enriched by his willingness to share so generously his knowledge, wisdom, and personality through the medium of sight and sound.

However, Runyon's newest offering, The Rites of Magick, is more than a visual textbook of magical theories and techniques (although there is a wealth of that in this DVD - so much in fact that the viewer will wish to review it several times to glean its precious jewels). It is quite literally an historic document - a record of real magick dramatically celebrated at the dawn of the late 20th century neo-pagan explosion. This window on magical history, in and of itself, makes this documentary a unique treasure.

Although I'm not a member of the Order of the Temple of Astarte, or the Church of Hermetic Sciences, Inc., I've admired Poke and his work for over 30 years. Like all pioneers of vision and genius he attracts his share of critics and detractors. This is to be expected, even welcomed by a man of Runyon's stature. In my opinion, The Rites of Magick is a beautiful and profound testament to the art of western magick, and perhaps the finest DVD of its kind ever produced.

A Very Inspiring Documentary
This is one of those videos worthy of pulling out at group meetings, or to show new initiates just so they can get a taste of a wide variety of ritual. Or to spark discussion of ritual worship and/or magickal work. For those who have been practicing awhile, it's my belief this video may inspire you in your own work and ritual. I know it did me. The Communion of the Elements ceremony was lovely as were the other rituals presented. I personally would highly recommend it.

Almost 5 stars...almost
"Poke" Runyon is an interesting man. Former Green Beret who began seriously practicing magic and trance-work as a way to alleviate stomach ulcers.

This video is eerie, fun, and essential viewing for the macabre and ceremonial magician types out there. Here you will see his order perform a very interesting Tantric version of the GD Middle Pillar exercise, a group repast/celebration, a detailed pathworking, a variety of different shots of LBRP, some ceremonies, and a very ominous Opening by Watchtower. I've personally watched that Watchtower ceremony many times, and it gets a little eerier each time...perhaps due to Runyon's introductory description of the Enochian angels (they sound more like demons to me). I know I might get torched for that remark, but it's true...apocalyptic is too much for me.

Overall, I'd have given it 5 stars if it had a little less OTA specific ceremonies and more general info about things like sacred tools, invoking versus evoking, and the like. Still, a very watchable piece.