Best With Cunning And Command Podcasts (2025)

1
Tech-Wizardry and Scrying the Stars with Jove Spucchi 1:53:44

Play Pause

14h ago1:53:44

1:53:44

Sfinga and Key are joined by beloved friend and erudite astrologer Jove Spucchi to traverse through some of the most fascinating intellectual landscapes of modern occultism. In this free-form conversation, the gang explores Freudian psychoanalysis, the planet Saturn, scrying natal charts, Hellenistic astrology, outer planets and asteroids, somatic …

1
Gathering Materia Redux 1:14:55

15d ago1:14:55

1:14:55

Key and Sfinga revisit one of our most loved episodes (14: Gathering Materia) to review further strategies for storing, collecting, using, and navigating materia. The Owl and Dragon cover a medley of locations to gather links beyond dirt as well as how to make them last across years of workings. Support us on patreon.com/TheFrightfulHowls .…

1
St. Christopher the Treasure Hunter 1:39:18

29d ago1:39:18

1:39:18

Key leads the charge in introducing one of his favourite German grimoires from Das Kloster: Die Rufung des heiligen Christoph oder Das sogenannte Christopheles-Gebet. Drawing on his extensive practice with this text, he delves into the lore behind German treasure hunting magic, the figure of St. Christopher as its patron, and the range of literal a…

1
Conjuring Terrestrial Demons 1:24:38

1M ago1:24:38

1:24:38

This hotly-requested episode is at long last here! Salt and Key talk nigromancy and the conjuration of demons from the medieval and early modern ritual magic traditions of Western Europe. From protocols of purity, compulsion, and cooperation, to maintaining control when the physical manifestations begin to flicker beyond the circle, the karcists re…

1
Folk Magic of Bread 1:38:58

2M ago1:38:58

1:38:58

Sfinga and Key explore a sample of folk magical traditions involving that ever-faithful ally: bread. In addition to revisiting old debates over the leavened or unleavened Eucharist, they go over different techniques of capturing timing, forces of nature, and even stars in bread, finding thieves and cleansing ills, and helping the dead pass on into …

1
Under Lock and Key 1:28:26

2M ago1:28:26

1:28:26

Key walks the gang through an overview of his namesake magics of locks, keys, and tools and techniques to get around the former. Forays into binding and securing misfortunes and blessings alike, explorations of the origins of and techniques to create master keys, and the expediency of building a collection of love locks through less-than-licit mean…

1
Binding the Night-Mare 1:30:56

3M ago1:30:56

1:30:56

By popular request, the gang gets together to discuss the practical realities of nightmares, related night-hag phenomena, our own sleep paralysis demons, and methods to deal with each in turn. Sfinga, Salt, and B. Key delve into the complicated necessity of nightmares in the coloquial sense, talk nuances in finding a shared vocabulary with sprits, …

1
Jing Fang Herbalism with Maria, Green Dragon Healer 1:16:18

3M ago1:16:18

1:16:18

Beloved friend Maria the Green Dragon Healer joins us once more to chat about her training in the Jing Fang school of Classical Chinese Herbalism. Maria discusses some of the most important animistic principles in cultivating relationships with plants, calling on them as spirits in healing and sorcery, and the astrological considerations of herbal …

1
The Ghosts and Magics of the Road 1:19:03

4M ago1:19:03

1:19:03

Key delves into ghostly phenomena of roads, cars, and the accidents and ghosts they create together. In addition to considering ways to protect drivers and their vehicles through sorcery, amulets, and prayer, he also provides an overview of the spirits of cars, chariots, and animist vehicles themselves, and the various spectral ladies-in-white that…

1
The Life of Marie Anne Lenormand 1:18:40

4M ago1:18:40

1:18:40

Key gives us an overview of the life and times of the original gaslight gatekeep girlboss of divination: Marie Anne Lenormand herself. Wading through her often contradictory, gonzo journalist writings, Key discusses the adventures of the woman whose name graces the cards, while also exploring how he reads them as his preferred method of divination.…

1
Seasons and Cycles in Sorcery 1:28:39

5M ago1:28:39

1:28:39

Salt leads a discussion on the magic of the warmer months of spring and summer. In considering the role of astrological timing and seasonal festivals, he further elaborates on the place of seasonal weather magic and the spirit allies that grow strongest with the expanding sun. Support us on patreon.com/TheFrightfulHowls and follow us at twitter.com…

1
Paring Down a Practice 1:38:10

5M ago1:38:10

1:38:10

Key and Sfinga reminisce on the essentials of their practices and what it means to return to the basics. In addition to musing on what exactly the physical needs of their spiritual traditions are, they go over what a healthy dose of minimalism can do to revitalize connections to spirits and confidence in one's sorcery.…

1
Justified Work with Austin Fuller 1:52:26

6M ago1:52:26

1:52:26

Austin Fuller of Bane X Bramble joins the gang for a discussion on how to act calmly when attacked, as well as how to move in justice on both the defensive and offensive sides. B. Key gets possessed by the spirit of Jeff Goldblum the Karcist (summoning Guland from the Grimorium Verum), Austin and Sfinga channel J.D. Vance meeting the pope, and ever…

1
Kitchen Witchin' with Caspar, De Duivelbanner van Overijssel 1:46:21

6M ago1:46:21

1:46:21

De Duivelbanner van Overijssel joins the crew again for a lighthearted discussion of the spirits, implements, and rites of the heart of the home: the kitchen. From attack sorcery to fertility magic and all the various beings that patron the workings of the hearth, the the gang walk each other through some of the most notable negotiations they've we…

1
Amulets and Talismans 1:34:32

7M ago1:34:32

1:34:32

Salt leads a discussion on the definitions, differences, and contentious scholarly boundaries between amulets and talismans across various traditions in translation. In addition to chatting creation, activation, and use, the gang explores the immense diversity of magical technologies involving ensouled and empowered phylacteries, charms, counterspe…

1
Cleansing the Home 1:47:46

7M ago1:47:46

1:47:46

The Dragon, Wolf, and Owl tackle the ins and outs of keeping your home spiritually refreshed. In addition to covering some simple staples for each kind of room, basic omen divination for when something is off, and discrete ways to elevate the vibe while living with roommates, the gang also considers the importance of managing the ambient dead—espec…

1
The Black Pullet 1:36:01

8M ago1:36:01

1:36:01

Key takes the gang on a journey through the first grimoire he ever dabbled with: the ever-reliable and user-friendly Black Pullet. Going over the talismans and rings as well as his own experiences with them, Key outlines budget-friendly ways to reap the benefits of this fascinating text (and its rather hilarious framing device). Support us on patre…

1
First Steps with Plant Allies 1:48:52

8M ago1:48:52

1:48:52

By popular request, the gang discusses some preliminary considerations in working with our verdant allies of the plant kingdoms. Drawing on their training across traditions, as well as Key's education in bio-chemistry, the trio discuss important protocols, spiritual understandings, and magical approaches to engaging with the spirits and patrons of …

1
Enchanting on the Go 1:25:13

8M ago1:25:13

1:25:13

Drawing on a set of frequently asked questions, Sfinga, Salt, and B. Key touch base on the ins and outs of travel magic. Starting off on tips for locking down your house with protection, negotiating your offering schedules with your spirits, and building the best travel kit for on the go magic, the gang also considers how to optimize your fortune i…

1
Consorting With Angels 1:33:54

9M ago1:33:54

1:33:54

Salt takes the reigns on an introduction to basic angelic magic. Covering some basic theory following Pseudo-Dionysius, he considers the implications of working with angels on a number of metaphysical levels, and explores with the gang some of the most user-friendly ways of doing so, from the famous Drawing Spirits into Crystals to John Dee's scryi…

1
Nosferatu, Zalmoxis, and Appetite with Rose Aurora 1:56:56

9M ago1:56:56

1:56:56

Emergency episode incoming, spoilers beware! Sfinga and Key rush back to their mics after seeing Robert Eggers' Nosferatu (2024) to get beloved friend, fairy seer, and horror savant Rose Aurora on the call. Together, they analyze some of the key folkloric themes of the film—including vampirism, Balkan witchcraft, and erotic encounters with spirits—…

1
Ba Zi with Maria, Green Dragon Healer 1:32:30

10M ago1:32:30

1:32:30

Sfinga and B. Key are joined by their dear friend, Greek Orthodox folk practitioner and Traditional Chinese Medicine healer, Maria! Drawing on over a decade of experience training in various lineages of traditional Chinese healing and metaphysics, Maria leads the gang through an erudite discussion on the Chinese astrological understandings of Ba Zi…

1
Sorcerous Pentesting in the Workplace 1:33:54

10M ago1:33:54

1:33:54

This could be none other than a certified B. Key special, an eclectic investigation into domination magic, intelligence gathering, and sorcerous pentesting for optimal results. Building off Episode 23: Troubleshooting Your Sorcery, Key leads the gang through the many ways you can work over targets that prove harder to crack, especially when it come…

1
Ceremonial Tattooing with Gary Noriyuki 1:34:43

11M ago1:34:43

1:34:43

Longtime friend and incredible tattoo artist, conjurer, Quimbandeiro, and practitioner of Thai necromancy Gary Noriyuki joins the gang once more to talk all about the magic involved in ceremonial tattooing. From inheriting lineage taboos to maintaining pacts, Gary covers the ins and outs of receiving different kinds of sacred tattoos, touching on h…

1
Quimbanda with Jesse Hathaway Diaz 3:20:35

11M ago3:20:35

3:20:35

Laroyê Exu, Exu é Mojubá! In this very special episode, Sfinga and Key welcome their Tata in Quimbanda de Angola, Tata Apokan (Jesse Hathaway Diaz), for a winding, serpentine foray through the world of Afro-Brazilian sorcery. In addition to touching on personal experiences in initiation, priesthood, and continual, expansive study within oral tradit…

1
Six Fairy Tales for Discerning Sorcerers 1:59:59

12M ago1:59:59

1:59:59

It's the Halloween special! Sfinga, Salt, and B. Key dive into the world of fairytales, folklore, and dramatic plays to narrate six different stories—and reflect on each of the sorcerous lessons one can glean from them. From seafaring saints and Faustian conjurers to old witches and dragon-slaying princes, the gang giggles their way through all the…

1
Formulating Divination Questions 1:42:54

1y ago1:42:54

1:42:54

How do you determine which spirits are best suited to consult for which questions? What roles to concurrent auguries play alongside one's chosen divinatory system? How can over-divining block a result, and how can you know the answer generated by trance is the most accurate and precise one? How do we better our capacity to not only hear our spirits…

1
Coptic Magical Papyri 1:33:00

1y ago1:33:00

1:33:00

The gang reunite to discuss their favourite spells from the corpus of Coptic Magical Papyri. From contests with headless beings to rites to bring (and take away) fertility, the Dragon, Wolf, and Owl cover a wide spectrum of practical applications born of this often-neglected yet exceedingly rich collection of ancient magical technologies. Support u…

1
Ep. 21 (42) - A World Revolution? 42:14

1y ago42:14

42:14

In this episode we will come to the end of the Investiture controversy, the end of the Salian dynasty and the end of Season 2 – and ask the question, what was all that about? Does the conflict between spiritual and temporal power rank alongside the great revolutions, the French Revolution if 1789 and the Russian Revolution of 1917? The music for th…

1
Lording Over Landlords 1:24:26

1y ago1:24:26

1:24:26

B. Key provides an array of tips and tricks for dominating landlords—and by extension anyone in a position of financial authority over you. Whether it's propitiating the spirits of the land, fixing contractors and neighbours alike, or keeping the peace within the home, Key explores the ins and outs of how to stay safe, stay strapped, and stay secur…

1
Ep. 20 (41) - The Duke's Rebuke - Henry V has to accept the Concordat of Worms 25:22

1y ago25:22

25:22

In this week’s episode the last of the Salians will find that despite all his efforts, the tide of history cannot be stemmed, almost leaving him in exactly the same place his father ended up in 1076. The music for the show is Flute Sonata in E-flat major, H.545 by Carl Phillip Emmanuel Bach (or some claim it as BWV 1031 Johann Sebastian Bach) perfo…

1
Ep. 19 (40) - Henry V's Cunning Plan - Pope Paschal II offers to hand back all imperial fiefs which causes havoc 27:37

1y ago27:37

27:37

In this episode we will see whether young Henry V will do any better at ending the conflict between Pope and Emperor, featuring one of the most audacious political moves seen in this conflict. The music for the show is Flute Sonata in E-flat major, H.545 by Carl Phillip Emmanuel Bach (or some claim it as BWV 1031 Johann Sebastian Bach) performed an…

1
Ep. 18 (39) - The End of Emperor Henry IV 27:56

1y ago27:56

27:56

This week we will talk about the last years of Henry IV, which, as hard as it is to believe, holds a final humiliation that capped the pain this man had already endured. The music for the show is Flute Sonata in E-flat major, H.545 by Carl Phillip Emmanuel Bach (or some claim it as BWV 1031 Johann Sebastian Bach) performed and arranged by Michel Ro…

1
Animist Immersion with Albert Björn Shiell 1:33:19

1y ago1:33:19

1:33:19

Sfinga and B. Key are joined by the incredible Albert Björn Shiell, witch, sorcerer, and student of English and Icelandic folk magical traditions. Albert goes over his experience studying oral and literary traditions of Icelandic magic, and muses on the nature of integrating into not only a new culture and language, but a foreign country's animist …

1
Ep. 17 (38) - The First Crusade - Crusaders attacking the Jewish communities in Mainz, Speyer and Worms 34:24

1y ago34:24

34:24

In 1095 Pope Urban II launches the First crusade. Emperor Henry IV and his allies would rather be strung up below a beehive covered in honey than join a scheme devised by the Gregorian Pope. The lack of support by the high aristocrats did not stop the common people most of whom perish before the crusade had really begun. And some turn their religio…

1
The Pentacles of Solomon 2:12:48

1y ago2:12:48

2:12:48

Sfinga and B. Key cover the 44 pentacles of the Key of Solomon, their construction, uses, and personal tips, tricks, and innovations they've gleaned from their experiments. The Dragon and Owl discuss at length the various ways in which the planetary pentacles can be used across the sorcerous board, as well as the magical implications of matching on…

1
Ep. 16 (37) - The Two Grooms - Countess Matilda of Tuscany marries a man 25 years her junior 25:59

1y ago25:59

25:59

The wheel of fortune turns again, tumbling our antihero Henry IV down from the heights he had so recently scaled. We will see him sink to the point of utter despair. And all that because a 43 year old woman marries an 18 year old. The music for the show is Flute Sonata in E-flat major, H.545 by Carl Phillip Emmanuel Bach (or some claim it as BWV 10…

1
Ep. 36 - Henry IV is Coming Home 25:12

1y ago25:12

25:12

His coronation barely two months hence, Henry IV leaves Rome without capturing Gregory VII. The Pope's powerful vassal, Robert Guiscard, Duke of Apulia and greatest of Norman warlords was approaching with an army of 36,000. Henry no longer needs Rome, what he needs to do is get back to Germany and bring peace to the war-ravaged country. A u-turn in…

1
Dutch Folk Magic with Caspar, De Duivelbanner van Overijssel 1:48:01

1y ago1:48:01

1:48:01

Dear friend and discerning sorcerer Caspar, also known as De Duivelbanner van Overijssel, joins the hosts to chat all things Dutch folk magic. In addition to discussing the diversity of Dutch folk practitioners, what duivelbanners are, differences between Protestant and Catholic traditions, and types of spirits one may encounter, the gang explores …

1
Ep. 14 (35) - To Rome! To Rome! - Henry IV takes revenge on pope Gregory VII 24:07

1y ago24:07

24:07

The Rebellion in Germany under control Henry can finally go after his true nemesis, Pope Gregory VII. He sets out for Rome on a journey he thought may just take four months but ended up taking four years.. The music for the show is Flute Sonata in E-flat major, H.545 by Carl Phillip Emmanuel Bach (or some claim it as BWV 1031 Johann Sebastian Bach)…

1
Ep. 13 (34) - Gaining the Upper Hand - Henry IV defeats the anti-king Rudolf von Rheinfelden 28:27

1y ago28:27

28:27

Henry IV departs from Canossa having been released from the ban. But does that mean all his troubles are over? Far from it. His enemies in Germany gather to elect a new king and the war of words turns into a war of swords. The music for the show is Flute Sonata in E-flat major, H.545 by Carl Phillip Emmanuel Bach (or some claim it as BWV 1031 Johan…

1
Techniques of Magical Healing 1:28:52

1y ago1:28:52

1:28:52

Salt opens the floor on the grounding elements of magical healing and sorcery in health. Exploring the logics of oral charms, Galenic medicine, and medical astrology, he leads the gang through a round table discussion of the key principles of protecting and nurturing long-term health in one's spiritual practice—through all holistic means, magical a…

1
Ep. 12 (33) - Canossa Finally! 32:46

1y ago32:46

32:46

It is time - we are finally going to Canossa. Expect imperial power to disappear in smoke, greedy mothers-in-laws, frozen passes, hoisted horses and tobogganing empresses. All that ends with the enduring picture of a king first kneeling before a woman and then before a pope..... That is the the episode you have to listen to! The music for the show …

1
Ep. 11 (32) - Hildebrand, not Pope but false Monk - Emperor Henry IV confronts the Pope 46:05

1+ y ago46:05

46:05

The rise of the papacy since 1046 is almost linear. The popes throw off the chokehold of the roman aristocracy, they take over leadership of the church reform movement from the emperors, and by the end of the pontificate of Alexander II the Holy See has become universal with kings hailing the pope and not the emperor as their overlord. In 1073 Hild…

1
Law Stay Away and Magical Resistance 1:43:43

1+ y ago1:43:43

1:43:43

B. Key brings the fire to passionately advocate for the use of magic in anti-fascist resistance. After a brief overview of some of the most critical Supreme Court cases that have eroded civil liberties in the United States, Key provides a miscellany of sorcerous workings to resist the state, evade the law, and protect our communities—especially tho…

1
Ep. 10 (31) - The (second) Saxon War - The nobles rebel against "the imperial tyrant" 37:57

1+ y ago37:57

37:57

In 1065 king Henry IV begins his personal rule. After 9 years of regency., the last 3 of which under a government of barons headed by archbishop Anno of Cologne, imperial power is much diminished. Prelates and lords are raiding the imperial purse, when the barons force the young king to dismiss his main adviser, he realises that the previous model …

1
Ep. 9 (30) - Three Roads to Canossa - Lay Piety, Reform Papacy and the Saxon Rebellion 43:20

1+ y ago43:20

43:20

Emperor Henry III is dead. The realm is now in the hands of his widow, Agnes of Poitou who rules on behalf of the six-year-old king Henry IV. Agnes is no Theophanu and no Adelheid. Not that she is incompetent, she just isn't absolutely brilliant, and absolutely brilliant is the baseline necessary to manage this fragile situation. The relationship b…

1
Birth Omens and Witch Marks with Rose Aurora 1:51:56

1+ y ago1:51:56

1:51:56

Sorceress, Fairy Seer, Trollkvinne, and dear friend of the show Rose Aurora returns for a discussion about the various signs that manifest in clusters at birth, puberty, and beyond to delineate proclivities for certain kinds of magical pacts. We cover questions concerning lack of free will and choice, what does having "the gift" entail across our c…

1
Ep. 8 (29) - The Last Years of Henry III - Tyrant or consolidator of power? 29:27

1+ y ago29:27

29:27

In 1046 Henry III reached the zenith of his rule. He deposed three unworthy popes and replaced them with serious churchmen who will bring the necessary reforms about. Domestically he is in control of the three Eastern European states, Poland, Bohemia and Hungary and the restless Lotharingians seem settled. How did it come about that by 1056 the chr…

1
Ep. 7 (28) - Three Popes with One Stone - The Council of Sutri in 1046 34:30

1+ y ago34:30

34:30

In 1046 Henry III finally has time to go to Rome and claim the imperial crown. All he wants is get in, get crowned and get out before the Malaria season. He encounters a problem when he finds out that the current pope Gregory VI has bought the papacy for cold hard cash, a sin that could invalidate his coronation. Henry III gets involved, deposes al…