In this episode, Jennifer Emick, the guide to alternative religions on About.com, joins me to discuss the Alternative Religions web site, her interest in the esoteric and mystical side of religion, the importance of tolerance concerning religious views and practices, and the positive and negative aspects of spirituality. Her balanced perspective is appreciated as promoting both understanding and reasoned analysis. Of particular interest are the ideas about the human flaws of spiritual teachers, as well as the degeneration of spiritual groups after the teachers depart. This is usually illustrated by the advancement in the significance of dogma. Jennifer also describes the struggle by witches for mainstream acceptance versus identification with past persecution. She notes how this recognition can result in a loss of freedom. In addition, we touch upon the concept that most, if not all, religions originate from a teacher well-versed in the ancient Mysteries. relevant links: Alternative Religions on About.com “Thelema” Wikipedia entry “The Secret History of Modern Witchcraft” by T Allen Greenfield “Kali (demon)” Wikipedia entry intro music by HipGnosis Technorati Tags: occult, spirituality, mysticism, religion, history, philosophy, magick, new aeon, new age Less