Carl Abrahamsson's Blog

Very happy to be in the new issue of Astromatograph, the world’s finest publication on cinema and TV. I have a piece in there lovingly lauding Polanski’s ”The Tenant”:

https://astromatograph.com/

”Polanski’s adaptation captures not just the plot mechanics of Topor’s work, but its essential psychological architecture as well. Polanski understood that the novel’s true horror lay not in external supernatural forces, but in the slow dissolution of selfhood under the weight of social pressure and urban anonymity. And, who really knows, perhaps some occult goings-on as well? Where other filmmakers might have externalized the novel’s internal psychological drama, Polanski chose to burrow even deeper into the protagonist’s deteriorating psyche, creating a film that functions as both faithful adaptation and weirdly personal statement.”

#astromatograph #romanpolanski #rolandtopor #carlabrahamsson

In this week’s MAGIC MONDAY at our Patreon, I write about the creative perspective in-between exhaustion and insight:

https://www.patreon.com/posts/magic-monday-143234643

”The feeling of being overwhelmed and thereby needing help is to some degree an efficiency assessment and to some degree a desire to be seen as being too busy: wanting real alleviation but perhaps mostly some emotional acknowledgement.”

#magicmonday #occulture #vanessasinclair #carlabrahamsson

Just posted an essay about John Fowles’s excellent & inspiring ARISTOS project:

https://anartapart.substack.com/p/aristos-is-cool

”Throughout the book Fowles examines the uneasy marriage between order and chaos. He regards humanity’s desire for structure as vital but dangerous—vital because it makes civilization possible, dangerous because it hardens into tyranny. Systems, whether political or philosophical, are the graveyards of life when they refuse change. The living world, he writes, is organic, not mechanical; it breathes and transforms. So must thought. Just as nature evolves, the moral imagination must remain fluid. The ideal order is rhythmic rather than rigid, capable of change without collapse. The free individual embodies that principle—centered enough to withstand uncertainty, flexible enough to grow through it. Integrity replaces conformity as the highest virtue.”

#aristos #johnfowles #anartapart #carlabrahamsson

In today’s WEEKLIES post at our Patreon I write about Coelho’s ”Maktub” anthology and how perhaps a more substantial (less new age biblical) simulacrum could be needed:

https://www.patreon.com/posts/weeklies-dailies-142953832

”It’s easy to whine though. Actually a lot easier than selling 320 million books! So I say, ”Good for you, Paolo. Keep up the good work!” I hope to one day find a similar formula, perhaps even changing this Weeklies posting to a daily one, filled with affirmations of a similarly inspiring yet cosmically more relevant and non-denominational vibe.”

#paolocoelho #maktub #mekthoub #occulture #vanessasinclair #carlabrahamsson

Just posted a recording of my talk for the Berlin Occulture festival/conference (an amazing event!) as an episode of the Fenris Wolf podcast:

https://thefenriswolf.substack.com/p/the-fenris-wolf-podcast-episode-6

Video/slideshow on the Substack, and audio available at all the usual podcast suspects. 

”Carl Abrahamsson, a prominent figure in the realm of occulture, reflects on his journey through the occult underground in a presentation originally written for the Occulture conference in Berlin, 2025. He shares insights from his life, which has been heavily influenced by various artistic and magical movements, as well as notable figures like Aleister Crowley, Anton LaVey, and Genesis P-Orridge. Abrahamsson discusses his experiences with different magical orders, including the Church of Satan and the OTO, and emphasizes the importance of individual intuition and creativity in the practice of magic and culture.

He introduces his recent works, including “Meetings with Remarkable Magicians” and “Introduction to Occulture,” highlighting the need for practitioners to articulate their experiences and ideas in ways that academics can understand, thus bridging the gap between esoteric knowledge and mainstream culture. He elaborates on the concept of “occulturation,” the process by which hidden knowledge becomes manifest in culture, and advocates for a focus on individual empowerment and the transformative power of creativity.

Abrahamsson also critiques the academic approach to magic, arguing that while it can help validate the field, it often fails to capture the essence of magical practice, which is inherently creative and deeply human. He concludes by asserting the necessity of personal authenticity and the importance of sharing knowledge and inspiration, positing that true magic lies in the continuous unfolding of one’s self and the embrace of individual freedom.”

#occulture #occultureconference #occultureconferenceberlin #carlabrahamsson

In this week’s MAGIC MONDAY post at our Patreon I write about thoughts of early retirement from the ”scene” and what it might possibly entail:

https://www.patreon.com/posts/magic-monday-it-142722213

”I would say that the last of ”rounding up the past” projects is my book Introduction to Occulture (Dec 2025). For obvious title reasons, it’s meant to inform those curious, and is based on my experience of some forty years in the occultural trenches. I think I’ve managed that quite well. But if being Mr Occulture is no longer the case, then – quite literally! – what gives? This is where I utter a classic line from many a good book and movie: ”That’s for me to know and you to find out.””

#occulture #vanessasinclair #carlabrahamsson

Back by public demand! Learn about Anton LaVey and his magical system within the Church of Satan:

https://www.morbidanatomy.org/classes/p/into-the-devils-den-and-back-an-introduction-to-the-history-and-magical-system-of-anton-laveys-church-of-satan-with-carl-abrahamsson-begins-november-16

This class—taught by Carl Abrahamsson, author of the book Anton LaVey and the Church of Satan: Infernal Wisdom from the Devil’s Den—will present an introduction to the theory and practice of Anton LaVey’s philosophy and magic. Having founded the Church of Satan in 1966, and written the infamous The Satanic Bible in 1969, LaVey’s mind was filled not only with ancient diableries but also a vast amount of syncretisms stemming from his filtering of contemporary times, as well as the highly subjective and personal kinks and obsessions he explored and integrated.

LaVey’s creative mind composed and codified a brand new kind of occultism he chose to call Satanism. This was not necessarily revolt against the monotheistic dogma of the ages but rather a celebration of a rebellious spirit that has existed in all human cultures and times —one of creativity, passion, anti-hypocrisy, magic, genuine culture, and a healthy sense of egotism.

We will go through LaVey’s history and sources of inspiration, as well as the many forms of magic he wove into the Church of Satan. And go through the impact he has had on popular culture. We will look at the history of Anton LaVey and the Church of Satan, Satanic Magic in theory, and Satanic magic in practice. We will also investigate a ”Satano-Gnosis” for the future.

Please note: After each presentation we will encourage the assembled to participate in a lively discussion and Q & A. Be part of the conversation & fun as you learn!

Four Consecutive Sundays: NOVEMBER 16-DECEMBER 7 2025. Do not miss this very special class!

Carl Abrahamsson is the author of the book Anton LaVey and the Church of Satan: Infernal Wisdom from the Devil’s Den (Inner Traditions, 2022), and the director of the documentary Anton LaVey: Into the Devil’s Den (Trapart Film, 2019). He has also written a number of books on Occultural topics, as well as works of fiction, as well as editing the magico-anthropological journal The Fenris Wolf (1989-present day). He has decades long experience of working with LaVey’s magical system in praxis, and is a Magister of the Church of Satan.

#antonlavey #satanism #churchofsatan #magic #occultism #occulture #morbidanatomy #carlabrahamsson

In today’s WEEKLIES at our Patreon, I write about a recent visit to the Helmut Newton Museum in Berlin, and how visual/emotional patina makes for better history writing:

https://www.patreon.com/posts/weeklies-choose-142401387

”I guess there’s a reason why ”vintage” photographic prints related to the photographer fetch higher prices at auctions than later ones. In part, obviously the direct magical link or association to the ”author”/photographer, but also because of the possibility of flaws or traces of time in the print in question. It makes the overall impression somehow stronger than some archival/sterile perfection. Because the inevitable passing of time means exactly decrepitude, increasing flaws, splotches, scratches, tearing, unplanned solarizations, imperfections etc. That’s really what tells the story, isn’t it? A newborn baby’s face may be adorably cute but try looking into the eyes and face of a hundred year old… Age and related wear & tear provide important and invaluable perspectives.”

#helmutnewton #ejbellocq #berlin #photography #vanessasinclair #carlabrahamsson

I caught a leaf and I liked it! Read more about leaf showers, rustlers, and poets’ attempts at figuring autumn out:

https://www.patreon.com/posts/weeklies-leaves-141647177

”At one point we approached an active rustler. We could actually see how the leaves were falling. I decided to try my luck and extended a hand to the sky. Yes, I caught one! I caught an orange leaf. Maybe it wanted to fall to the ground and wither away, but I felt that I at least temporarily ”saved” it as I looked at it closely and then put it in my pocket. A strange kind of joy; a poetry of the moment in union with outer nature. Does it ever get better than that?

Monday morning, a walk through the park: cold, sunny, and crispy – perfect autumn. In the park the tree crowns were ablaze in yellow, orange and red. And there it was: a big rustler. I placed myself beneath it and literally showered in leaves for more than a minute. Echoes of boyhood and receiving snowflakes on my tongue. Now my hand moved here and there, gently grabbing what had been let loose from the parental tree trunks. How many leaves do you need to be happy? Not many (but I caught and brought home a few!). More than anything they brought me food for thought…”

Photo by Vanessa!

#weeklies #autumn #leaves #seasonalmagic #23rdmind #vanessasinclair #carlabrahamsson

A Patreon push of some 2000 magical posts!

https://thefenriswolf.substack.com/p/magic-happens-here

”We have so much material at the Patreon I hardly know where to begin: pilgrimages, oracular techniques, sex magic, shamanic initiations, tarot suggestions, stories from our rituals, working with people like Genesis P-Orridge, Anton LaVey, and Kenneth Anger, psychedelic experiences, looking at creativity from a ritual perspective, adapting witchcraft to contemporary times, cut-ups as magical technique, writing itself as magical technique, meditations, runes, talismanic film- and music making, etc. There’s just so much! Of course there are other things as well at the Patreon: what we do and why, and what’s up this particular period/week? We are very close to two thousand posts at this moment, so as you can imagine there’s a whole lot there: photos, films, private stories, news, recommendations about other good people, and so on. If you want to check out real magic right here, right now, look no further.”

#23rdmind #vanessasinclair #carlabrahamsson